Trisha Paytas recently revealed that she and her husband, Moses Hacmon, named their third child Aquaman, after the famed DC Comics superhero. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of the Superman film, commented on the unusual name during an interview, sharing his thoughts about the implications of naming a child after such a well-known character. The conversation reflected on how this choice might affect the boy’s experience in school.
Concerns and Humor About School Life with an Iconic Name
During the interview with Entertainment Tonight, Gunn acknowledged he was aware of the name and reacted with a mix of approval and concern. He said,
“I think that’s cool! I mean, I hope he does okay in school.”
Gunn then shared a personal anecdote, recalling the teasing he endured because of his last name.
“Tommy gun, BB gun, raygun, I’m like, ‘Okay, we get it,’”
he explained, highlighting the challenges of having a memorable name in childhood. He also inquired whether the child had a more conventional middle name like Gary.
Insights from Frank Grillo and Tim Meadows on the Name’s Impact
Frank Grillo, known for portraying Rick Flag Sr. in the DC Universe, joined the discussion and asked if Aquaman had a last name, to which the interviewer confirmed “Two last names, yes.” Grillo expressed admiration for the name, saying,
“I think it’s pretty killer, I’m not gonna lie.”
James Gunn responded with some surprise, and the interviewer replied, “Why not?”
Gunn wondered if the boy might be nicknamed “AQ” at school and if that might lead to teasing. However, both Grillo and actor Tim Meadows dismissed these worries. Grillo, who grew up in New York, reassured,
“Especially if he lives in New York, where I grew up, he’ll be great.”
Meadows added, “He’ll be fine,” echoing the same optimistic outlook.
The Backstory Behind Naming the Child Aquaman
Trisha Paytas announced her son’s name during an episode of her Just Trish podcast released on July 22, 2025. She explained that she had been a huge fan of the Aquaman character throughout her childhood, which influenced her decision to select this name for her newborn. The choice has sparked widespread attention given its uniqueness and connection to a popular superhero franchise.
Significance and Potential Impact of the Aquaman Name
James Gunn’s commentary sheds light on the real-world implications of naming a child after a superhero icon. While it is a bold and distinctive choice, both Gunn’s personal experience and the insights from Grillo and Meadows suggest that the child’s environment, such as growing up in a diverse city like New York, may mitigate potential social challenges. This discussion highlights the balancing act parents face between embracing creativity and anticipating the social dynamics that might come with unconventional names. Going forward, it remains to be seen how Aquaman will navigate school life, but positive support from figures like Gunn and Grillo offers encouragement.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and has shared that prayer still holds significance for him. However, he also described himself as “somewhat against organized religion.”
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu was the inspiration behind the updated CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household. He has shared that prayer remains significant in his life. However, he also describes himself as somewhat against organized religion.
