Last week, the HBO series Peacemaker introduced a bold plot twist in its second season, depicting America as controlled by Nazis. This storyline has provoked strong reactions amid heightened political tensions and frequent accusations of Nazism in public discourse. The ongoing James Gunn Peacemaker controversy intensified after creator James Gunn responded to criticisms by labeling his detractors as racists.
James Gunn Responds to Backlash Over Polarizing Content
When interviewed by GQ Magazine about the episode’s divisive content, James Gunn addressed the criticism directly. He remarked,
“I have a few racists that have called me polarizing. But I’m okay with being polarizing and letting racists fall to the wayside.”
This unapologetic stance has further fueled debate over his creative choices and their impact on viewers.
Depiction of Nazis and Christians Draws Additional Criticism
Following the Nazi America reveal, the new Peacemaker episode depicts characters indiscriminately killing innocents, blurring lines between perpetrators and victims under this regime. Controversially, one character claims that Nazis have a strong affinity for Jesus, sparking further controversy. This direct association between Nazis and Christianity deepened concerns about the show‘s messaging.
The scene’s implication that Nazis “love Jesus” has become a focal point of outrage, with social media users questioning the validity and implications of this link in the series’ narrative.
Creative Intent and Corporate Responsibility in Question
Both contentious episodes were penned by James Gunn, indicating these themes reflect his deliberate choices. The polarizing nature of these storylines seems intended to provoke strong emotions and reactions. However, critics argue that branding a significant portion of the audience as racists risks alienating viewers and conflicts with the interests of Warner Bros., the studio behind Peacemaker.
Questions arise about whether this approach aligns with responsible storytelling or undermines the show’s broader reception and commercial success.
James Gunn says "I have a few racists that have called me polarizing" after his DCU's Nazi twist in #Peacemaker.
"But I’m okay with being polarizing and letting racists fall to the wayside. People have loved this episode the most, so it’s exciting… Listen, we’re dealing with a… pic.twitter.com/PutllZcdJX
— Variety (@Variety) October 3, 2025
This scene from Peacemaker claims Nazis love Jesus. Is it true? pic.twitter.com/4yic9bEGBr
— GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT (@GFRobot) October 3, 2025
