James Gunn Shares Thoughts on Trisha Paytas Naming Her Son Aquaman

At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of Superman, shared his thoughts on social media star Trisha Paytas naming her newborn son Aquaman, after the iconic DC Comics superhero. The name, Aquaman Moses Paytas-Hacmon, has sparked widespread discussion online, and Gunn’s response was both supportive and lighthearted, reflecting his characteristic wit.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight on July 27, 2025, Gunn expressed amusement at Paytas’ bold naming choice. “I saw that, yes. I think that’s cool!” he said. “I mean, I hope he does okay in school.” Drawing from personal experience, Gunn recalled how his own last name led to childhood teasing, with nicknames like “Tommy Gun, BB Gun, Ray Gun.” He humorously questioned, “Is the middle name Gary or something? Are they gonna call him AQ? Won’t he get made fun of at school? Do kids make fun of kids anymore?”

Paytas, a longtime YouTube personality and self-proclaimed Aquaman fan, announced the birth of her third child on July 12, 2025, via Instagram. On her Just Trish podcast, she explained that the name Aquaman was inspired by her love for the DC character, particularly the Jason Momoa-led films, and her husband Moses Hacmon’s affinity for water. “I’ve been wearing Aquaman t-shirts for years. I’ve gone to so many Comic-Cons for Aquaman,” she shared. The couple also noted that their son’s Cancer zodiac sign and Moses’ connection to water made the name “so perfect.” They considered other water-themed names, like Water Snake, before settling on Aquaman Moses Paytas-Hacmon.

Gunn’s comments were tempered with concern about potential bullying, but his Peacemaker co-stars Frank Grillo and Tim Meadows, who were present during the interview, dismissed the worry. “He’s going to be fine,” Grillo said, adding, “Especially if he lives in New York, where I grew up, he’ll be great.” Meadows echoed, “He’ll be fine.” Their optimism contrasted with online reactions, where some fans speculated about the challenges of such an unconventional name. One Reddit user remarked, “James Gunn picked his words carefully. He knows that kid is in for a horrible childhood once his classmates learn his name,” while others suggested the more subtle “Arthur Curry,” the character’s civilian name, as a safer choice.

Paytas, no stranger to controversy, has faced similar scrutiny for naming her daughters Malibu Barbie and Elvis. Despite the backlash, she remains unapologetic, emphasizing her personal connection to the names. Some supporters argue the names reflect her playful persona and protect her children’s privacy by drawing attention to the spectacle rather than their personal lives. “People are so weird, complaining about how many babies Trish is having,” one Instagram user commented. “She has the means to take care of them, and they’re obviously being raised in a loving two-parent home.”

Gunn’s response, described by fans as “classy with a side of shade,” highlights his ability to engage with pop culture moments while keeping the focus on his DC Universe projects. As he steers the franchise toward Peacemaker Season 2 and beyond, his lighthearted take on Paytas’ choice adds a relatable touch to his public persona, reminding fans that even superheroes—and their namesakes—face the trials of childhood.