Jennifer Holland did most of the stunts as Emilia Harcourt in Peacemaker—the pain is also completely true!
Harcourt is back, and more dangerous
The Peacemaker is back, and so is Emilia Harcourt — faster, tougher and much sharper than before.
The bar fight in the opening of Season 2: big swag in a small frame, three burly guys getting beat up.
The show is still the same — quirky, wildly fun, and the opening dance sequence still gives off a “why is this so good?!” vibe.
“I did most of the stunts myself”
Jennifer Holland says clearly — there is a double, but she took most of the hits in the fights herself.
Weeks of rehearsals, grip on every move, so that every punch looks real on screen.
Despite having a petite body, the goal was the same: Harcourt should look like she can actually knock down big goons.
Preparation: Gym, choreography, and true realism
Body work with a trainer before Season 1—from a post-COVID “Pop-Tarts life” to a fight-ready look.
This time another layer: the character’s exhaustion after nearly dying in the last fight, yet her determination to make herself tougher.
Weight, balance, and impact in the fight choreography—so that every shot exudes reality, not just style.
Fun on set, but the body paid the price
She admits—it hurt a lot. The fights, the falls, the retakes—the body felt it all. But she also had the most fun working with this team.
“We do weird things”—from the opening dance to the absurd but amazing gags—and in between, the action that resonates long after the laughter has died down.
New career desire: Full-on action film
Frank Grillo said after watching an action sequence in Episode 1—“You’re so good at this, keep doing it.”
For Holland, it’s a clear signal: Go for a full-on action movie. For her, this mix of acting and physicality has become her hallmark—not just stunts, but emotional punch.
The truth about working with James Gunn
James Gunn is her real-life partner, but the relationship on set is purely director-actor.
There’s no personal-professional mix, just a shorthand of the work that helps.
The trust is 100 percent—she knows what Gunn wants to get out, and he listens. That trust gives the performer a flow—which is evident on screen.
When and where to watch
New episodes of Peacemaker drop every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
If you’re in the mood for “bone-breaking action mixed with laughter,” don’t miss Harcourt’s upgrade—the pain is real, and so is the power.