Epic Games has disabled a newly released Fortnite emote based on Peacemaker season two’s opening dance. The move came after viewers connected the choreography to a major plot twist revealing the show takes place in an alternate universe where Nazis won World War II.
The emote launched alongside other Peacemaker-themed cosmetics to promote the Max series’ second season. Players could purchase and use the dance, which recreated a segment from the show’s stylized opening sequence. Everything seemed normal until Episode six aired.
That episode delivered a big twist. The seemingly perfect alternate world in Peacemaker season two is actually a version of DC Comics’ Earth-X—a reality where the Axis powers won the war. Suddenly, fans rewatched the intro with fresh eyes.
Some viewers claimed a brief arm movement in the choreography resembled swastika-like shapes when looped as an emote. Others speculated the move referenced WW2-era propaganda cartoons. Neither the show’s creator James Gunn nor the choreographer has confirmed these theories.
Epic acted fast once the allegations surfaced online. The company disabled the emote and released a statement saying it’s “reviewing creative intentions” with its partners at Warner Bros. and DC. The other Peacemaker items remain available in the Item Shop.
The timing explains how this slipped through. Press screeners only covered the first five episodes, missing the crucial twist. Marketing teams approving the collaboration likely had no idea about the hidden context in the dance moves.
When context gets lost in translation
Fortnite faces unique challenges with licensed content. What works as artistic commentary in a mature TV show becomes problematic when stripped of narrative context. An emote exists in isolation—players can use it anywhere, anytime, for any reason.
Epic has dealt with similar situations before. The company has disabled emotes for various reasons, from technical bugs to brand safety concerns. Sometimes items return modified, sometimes players get refunds. No word yet on what happens with the Peacemaker dance.
The emote remains disabled while Epic and Warner Bros. figure out next steps. Players who already bought it can’t use it for now. Whether it returns, gets altered, or disappears permanently remains uncertain.
