HBO Max Spoils DC Studios’ Most Surprising Crossover Yet In New Update

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A recent update to the HBO Max app is giving fans early hints about one of the most unexpected team-ups DC Studios has planned. James Gunn is building a new, connected universe for DC characters, and while only three projects – Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, and Superman – have been released so far, the connections between them are already becoming clear.

A particularly memorable moment happened during the second season of Peacemaker on HBO Max. Lex Luthor, the villain from Superman, unexpectedly appeared from prison (played by Nicholas Hoult) to negotiate with Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). In a show already filled with connections to the larger DC Universe, this cameo was the biggest surprise, especially for viewers who had recently seen the Superman movie.

Just weeks after the finale of Peacemaker Season 2, HBO Max is revealing a major cameo: Lex Luthor. A fan noticed that the show’s banner image on the streaming service now prominently features Nicholas Hoult as the DC villain, instead of the usual image of John Cena as Peacemaker.

This spoils a major, exciting moment from Peacemaker and represents the strongest connection so far between a DC movie and a DC TV show, which makes this alteration particularly puzzling.

All episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 are now available on HBO Max. The series, created by DC Studios head James Gunn, continues the story of John Cena’s character as he stumbles upon a seemingly perfect alternate reality that offers an escape from his troubles.

Okay, so Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor was awesome, but that was just the beginning! The movie was packed with little surprises, like seeing Joel Kinnaman back as Rick Flag from The Suicide Squad. And honestly, the scene with the Justice Society from the old Superman movies was one of the funniest parts – a total blast from the past!

Why Did HBO Max Spoil Peacemaker Season 2’s Biggest Cameo?

As a big fan of Peacemaker, I was pretty bummed to see that new image leaked from Season 2. Honestly, it feels like HBO Max just gave away a major plot point way too early, especially considering how recent the first season was! It’s a huge moment for the DCU, and I wish they’d kept it under wraps a bit longer.

Okay, so the decision feels a little weird at first, but I think HBO Max actually has a plan here. Now that Peacemaker Season 1 is done – those eight episodes flew by! – it feels like the show is moving into a new phase, and they’re probably strategizing how to handle it.

After appealing to its core fans, the series now needs to attract a wider audience on HBO Max. A key strategy seems to be highlighting the show’s connection to the larger DC Universe, which is why Lex Luthor is now being prominently featured in its marketing.

If someone who watches Superman on HBO Max then sees the villain from that movie advertising another show, it can make that new show seem more trustworthy and encourage them to start watching it.

Movie studios making comic book films have long used a tactic where they release exciting, spoiler-filled clips after a movie comes out. This is meant to attract people who weren’t initially planning to see it – Marvel’s marketing for Thunderbolts is a recent example of this approach.

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2025-11-06 01:04