Welcome to the Wacky World of DC!

In the zany universe of DC Comics, we’ve got realms where adorable talking animals suit up as heroes and realities run by some not-so-nice Supermen. As we dip our toes into the colorful multiverse of the DCU, we see it pop to life in season two of our favorite outrageous show, Peacemaker. So, how do we wrap our heads around dimensions that go beyond just superheroes and capes?

The Tone is All About Comedy!

Production designer Kalina Ivanov, who’s tackling this wild ride, believes it’s all about getting that comedic tone just right. “I treat it as a comedy!” Ivanov shared with a grin, before jokingly labeling herself as the “coincidental superhero designer”—a title she never asked for but embraced with open arms. Collaborating with the legendary James Gunn, she jumped at the chance to dive into the multiverse madness.

A Portfolio Full of Surprises!

With a diverse resume, Ivanov has worked on everything from gritty indie flicks to rom-coms and even creepy series like Lovecraft Country. She snagged a Primetime Emmy for her brilliant work on the 2009 biopic Grey Gardens. But Peacemaker? Now that’s a fresh cup of tea!

Welcome to Earth-X!

In the latest season of Peacemaker, our man Chris Smith (played by the one and only John Cena) discovers a doorway to an alternate universe where daddy dearest, Auggie (a.k.a. Robert Patrick), adores him unconditionally and he’s revered as a superhero. But plot twist! This picture-perfect world, dubbed Earth-X, is actually the brainchild of Nazis! Oh boy, things just got real creepy, real quick!

Setting the Scene – No Swastikas Here!

Ivanov faced a unique challenge in bringing this world to life. She creatively designed sets reflecting a Nazi backdrop without shoving it in your face. “We used German-style furniture and mugs, but we skipped the flags and giant murals!” she chuckled, trying to keep things light even with such heavy themes.

Channeling Mel Brooks

With humor in mind, Ivanov likens her work to that of The Producers. “Yeah, we’ve got Nazis, but come on, it’s funny!” she quipped, adding that working alongside Gunn, who maps out many details, made crafting this bizarre universe easier. He even had his own musical puns planned for various band posters, turning the absurdity up a notch.

Candyland and Creepy Imps!

When tasked with creating a bright explosion of color amidst the chaos, Ivanov knew she had to pull inspiration from Candyland! “Gunn had these quirky sketch ideas for imps, describing them as cute yet terrifying. I needed to capture that vibe!” She and her team constructed a real-life set, blending it with CGI magic to craft the imp-filled chaos!

Creative Freedom is Key!

While Ivanov adheres to Gunn’s vision, she gets to sprinkle her creativity throughout the process. For example, when the script said Chris jumps from a rooftop, Ivanov suggested he leap off a billboard! Gunn loved it, adding a band name into the mix just because. It’s the little quirks that make it personal!

Zombie World – A Spooky Makeover!

In a stroke of serendipity, when redesigning the zombie realm, Ivanov found an entire 16th-century village set laying around from another project that they could now hijack. “Hey, as long as we settle on the best option, flexibility is key!” she noted happily.

Bringing Gotham to Life

Switching gears, Ivanov also tackled the grungy Gotham City for The Penguin. Drawing on old memories of NYC after Hurricane Sandy, she envisioned a city in decay—”a ghost town left behind by the rich,” she remarked. Creating a dirt-covered disaster required 40 tons of the stuff to evoke that perfect vibe!

The Action-Packed Legacy

With Gunn’s flair for chaotic stunts, Ivanov prepares for a rollercoaster of destruction! “James is more of a stunt director than he admits!” she joked, admitting she didn’t sweat over matching comic lore. Instead, she embraced Peacemaker as a comedy, pushing for it to be seen as a real character—even defending it to awards groups along the way!

Final Thoughts

Thanks to Ivanov’s magical touch, Peacemaker shines bright, delivering a very real experience—even as Chris leaps through alternate realities. Want to catch up? Check out every episode of Peacemaker, streaming now on HBO Max!