HBO Max’s Latest DC Removal Was Caused by James Gunn’s Disapproval: ‘It’s Meaningless’

by

Some DC shows and movies recently disappeared from HBO Max, sparking speculation about James Gunn’s plans for the new DC Universe. Gunn is currently building the foundation for this new universe, aiming to highlight both well-known and underappreciated characters. Because HBO Max is expected to play a role in promoting the new DC stories, fans are eager to learn more about what changes are coming.

HBO Max took down two animated DC episodes from a section dedicated to DC content. The streaming service has been the main hub for a large collection of DC shows and movies, covering many years of the comic book universe. Although content on streaming services often changes, recent statements by DC Studios co-head James Gunn led to these specific removals.

To mark the arrival of *Superman* on HBO Max, the service has created a “Characters Coming to the DCU” section. This highlights episodes from various DC shows featuring characters – including Clayface, Supergirl, and Lobo – who will appear in the upcoming live-action DC Universe over the next few years.

  • Batman: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 5 
  • Batman: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 6 
  • The Batman Season 1, Episode 13 
  • Justice League Season 1, Episode 15
  • Justice League Season 1, Episode 19
  • Justice League Unlimited Season 3, Episode 10
  • Young Justice Season 3, Episode 9

Since this section was last updated, two episodes have been taken down: *Titans* Season 2, Episode 13 (“Nightwing”) and *Justice League* Season 2, Episode 3, which features the villain Amazo.

Things appeared to shift after James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, commented on the issue on X. He stated he wasn’t sure how the content ended up on HBO Max, but dismissed it as not important:

“I don’t know what that is supposed to be or who put that up on the platform, but its meaningless.”

James Gunn is leading the new DC Universe as co-CEO of DC Studios, alongside Peter Safran. They’ve already released the first season of *Creature Commandos* and the *Superman* movie, and are currently releasing new episodes of *Peacemaker* season two each week.

When Will Amazo & Nightwing Join the DCU?

James Gunn has announced plans for almost a dozen DC Universe projects, but he’s still developing more. He’s also given some hints about which teams and heroes will appear first as the DCU launches.

Nightwing, the hero connected to Batman, likely won’t appear until after the release of *The Brave and the Bold*, which will be the first movie starring Batman in the new DC Universe. Two different versions of Robin are already planned for this universe: Damian Wayne in *The Brave and the Bold*, and possibly Dick Grayson in *Clayface*. It’s possible one of these Robins could eventually become Nightwing, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

James Gunn has confirmed the Justice League hasn’t formed yet in the new DC Universe. For now, the team dynamic will be filled by the ‘Justice Gang’ we see in ‘Superman.’ Because of this, it’s unlikely we’ll encounter villains traditionally associated with the Justice League – like Amazo – anytime soon, as they’re still establishing the foundations for a team.

DC Studios has many projects in the works, so James Gunn and his team will share details about when specific characters appear as those plans solidify. Because so much is still being developed behind the scenes, fans will need to be patient as Gunn reveals more about his vision for the new DC Universe when the time is right.

Read More

2025-09-25 05:08