James Gunn and John Cena Shocked by HBO Max Rebrand

DC Studios' Peacemaker crew, including James Gunn and John Cena, recently expressed surprise at the rebranding of the Max streaming service back to HBO Max. The announcement caught them off guard while they filmed promotional material for Peacemaker Season 2, leading to humorous reactions. This change follows a brief period when the service was simply known as Max, which had become the norm for subscribers. Gunn's candid response highlights that while he supports the decision, he was unaware of the branding shift. Fans can look forward to Peacemaker Season 2 debuting on August 21, with the rebranding occurring sometime this summer.

Warner Bros. Discovery decided to restore the HBO Max name, feeling it resonated better with audiences amid the service's rebranding phase as Max. This shift seems to acknowledge the familiarity and recognition that the original name held with subscribers.

HBO Max originally launched in 2020 as a premium streaming service hosting a variety of content, including films and series from HBO, Warner Bros., and other networks. The name change to Max in 2023 was part of a larger initiative by Warner Bros. Discovery, but the decision to revert back suggests a strategic move to regain subscriber trust and connection with the brand's legacy. Peacemaker, a popular series that debuted in 2022, is part of DC's wider efforts to establish its presence on the platform, adding more expectation for its second season and future DC projects.