James Gunn, John Cena React to HBO Max Rebrand

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn and Peacemaker crew members appeared shocked to learn about Warner Bros. Discovery reviving the HBO Max branding while filming Season 2 promotions – their authentic reactions tell the whole story.

The entertainment world was surprised when Warner Bros. Discovery announced its streaming service would revert to the HBO Max name later this summer. If mainstream audiences found this confusing, even DC's top brass seemed genuinely perplexed.

Max's official X account posted reaction clips featuring Gunn and Peacemaker lead John Cena shortly after the announcement. Both were recording promotional spots encouraging viewers to watch Season 2 when it premieres August 21.

The footage captures Gunn's genuine astonishment mid-script when he reads "HBO Max" instead of "Max." A production crew member clarifies this isn't an error but an upcoming rebrand.

That's good actually. pic.twitter.com/b3WNWOsyT2

— Max (@StreamOnMax) May 14, 2025

"Wait – HBO Max again?" Gunn jokes in the video, clearly caught off guard. As DC Studios Co-CEO Peter Safran and others react in the background, Gunn ultimately approves: "That's actually good, but I didn't know about this."

Cena's clip delivers comedic contrast – rather than learning the news, he's shown informing the crew about the rebrand himself.

POV: finding out about the rebrand from @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/eyQxhTcJrs

— Max (@StreamOnMax) May 14, 2025

While these reactions could be staged marketing, they perfectly capture the entertainment industry's whiplash regarding Warner Bros. Discovery's naming strategy. The service launched as HBO Max in 2020, rebranded as Max in 2023 following the Warner-Discovery merger, and now reverts to HBO Max – all within five years.

No official timeline accompanies the rebrand announcement. While awaiting both HBO Max's transition and Peacemaker Season 2, explore upcoming 2025 DC projects or analyze key details from Peacemaker's latest trailer.