Marvel Comics Executive Editor Tom Brevoort expressed surprise and confusion over the explicit orgy scene that opens Season 2 of Peacemaker, created by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn. Brevoort found the scene especially jarring as it immediately follows the more family-friendly tone of the recent Superman film within the DC Universe, sparking questions about the choice of such a graphic moment to kick off the new season.
Plot Developments Set the Stage for a Challenging Season
Beginning right after last season’s Butterfly Invasion, the Peacemaker Season 2 premiere finds the main character striving to improve himself and embrace a more heroic role. However, his efforts are hindered as he faces rejection from the Justice Gang and Emilia Harcourt, a former Task Force X member, who turns down any further relationship after a drunken hookup. This setback leaves Peacemaker emotionally vulnerable as he heads home.
Explicit Scene Shocks Viewers and Critics Alike
In an effort to dull his emotional pain, Peacemaker turns first to marijuana, then cocaine, and finally retreats into a large, graphic orgy filled with numerous nude participants. The unabashed display of nudity, including full frontal shots, took many viewers by surprise due to the show’s previous style, which leaned more on violence and coarse language than explicit sexual content.
This unexpected scene caused significant discomfort across audiences and critics. Many believed the TV-MA rating would cover mature language and violent imagery rather than such detailed nudity. The scene quickly became the most talked-about — and controversial — element of the episode, overshadowing other plot points.
Tom Brevoort’s Candid Critique of the Scene’s Intent
Discussing his reaction on his Man With A Hat Substack blog, Tom Brevoort admitted that he initially doubted reports of a full-frontal orgy in the episode, but was stunned when he saw it firsthand. He found the sequence “shocking and uncomfortable,” especially given the decision to position the show as a direct follow-up to a more accessible Superman movie.
Brevoort questioned the artistic rationale behind such a choice, calling it a gratuitous attempt to
“push the envelope solely for the sake of envelope-pushing.”
He shared his personal discomfort, remarking on relief that he was alone while watching the scene. Despite the scene’s impact, Brevoort acknowledged that the rest of the episode was solid, presenting strong storylines and emotional depth.
“Still, if somebody was trying to prove that the new DCU would go to places that the MCU never would, case closed. Really, who thought that was a good idea?”
—Tom Brevoort, Marvel Comics Executive Editor
Upcoming Releases and What’s Next for Both Franchises
Peacemaker’s new episodes continue to stream on HBO Max every Thursday at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST, maintaining its reputation for provocative and boundary-pushing content. Meanwhile, Marvel’s next major live-action installment, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is slated for release in theaters on July 31, 2026, signaling another chapter for the rival comic universe to captivate audiences.
The controversy surrounding the opening scene of Peacemaker Season 2 raises questions about creative direction within the new DC Universe, highlighting a sharp tonal contrast with Marvel’s approach to mainstream superhero storytelling. The strong reactions from viewers and industry insiders alike suggest that James Gunn’s bold choices will continue to stir debate on how far superhero shows can—and should—go in exploring mature themes.
