DC Studios co-head James Gunn and the Peacemaker team received an unexpected surprise while shooting Season 2 promotional content - they learned about Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to revive the HBO Max name in real time, and their genuine reactions are pure comedy gold.
Back to the Future: HBO Max Returns
Warner Bros. Discovery dropped a bombshell today by revealing plans to revert its streaming platform's name from Max back to HBO Max starting this summer. The announcement left many fans bewildered - including some top DC executives caught completely off-guard during filming.
The official Max social media account captured priceless moments as Gunn and Peacemaker lead John Cena processed the news mid-production. The footage shows them reading from teleprompters promoting Season 2's August 21 premiere when they encounter the sudden name change.
Gunn's reaction is particularly entertaining as he double-checks the script: "Wait, we're calling it HBO Max again?" His confusion reaches peak awkwardness when he realizes this isn't some script error but an actual corporate decision. "That's good actually," he eventually concedes, "but I didn't know that was happening."
That's good actually. pic.twitter.com/b3WNWOsyT2
— Max (@StreamOnMax) May 14, 2025
In a hilarious role reversal, Cena appears to be the bearer of bad (or good?) news rather than the recipient. The WWE superstar-turned-actor turns the tables on the production crew, explaining the rebrand to confused staff members off-camera.
POV: finding out about the rebrand from @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/eyQxhTcJrs
— Max (@StreamOnMax) May 14, 2025
A Streaming Identity Crisis
This marks yet another chapter in the streaming service's identity saga. Originally launched in 2020 as HBO Max, the platform underwent a controversial rebranding to simply "Max" in 2023 following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Now, after just two years of Max branding, the company is reversing course.
While the authenticity of these candid reactions remains uncertain (could this be clever viral marketing?), the genuine-seeming bewilderment from DC's leadership team makes for irresistible entertainment. As we await official confirmation of both the HBO Max relaunch date and Peacemaker Season 2 details, fans can explore what other DC projects are coming in 2025 or analyze the latest Peacemaker trailer breakdowns.
