Aug 30
Freddie Stroma's Wet Tighty Whities Go Viral After Playful 'Peacemaker' Moment
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Freddie Stroma, known for his role as Adrian Chase (aka Vigilante) on HBO Max’s hit series Peacemaker, has become the center of a viral social media moment, as LGBTQ+ fans and allies around the world celebrate a memorable scene in which the actor is doused in champagne while clad only in tight, wet white briefs. The clip, which aired in a recent episode, has been widely shared across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads, with reactions ranging from playful thirst to thoughtful commentary on representation and body positivity in popular media .
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The now-infamous scene occurs during a rooftop gathering of the Peacemaker ensemble, where Stroma’s character is coaxed into stripping down to his underwear and proceeds to be drenched with champagne by his teammates. Series creator James Gunn, known for his irreverent approach and willingness to push boundaries, has a track record of infusing his shows with moments that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences, including scenes of queer intimacy and playful sexuality .
Social media quickly lit up with memes, GIFs, and commentary. Many LGBTQ+ users embraced the moment as a refreshing dose of playful sexuality that feels both inclusive and celebratory. Posts included commentary such as: “James Gunn really said: this scene is for the gays,” and “Vigilante in wet tighty whities is my Roman Empire.”
For many viewers, the scene is more than a thirsty meme: it is a signal of shifting attitudes toward the depiction of male bodies and queer desire in mainstream television. While “fan service” moments are not new, critics and fans alike have pointed out that Peacemaker’s approach feels less like exploitation and more like a knowing wink to queer audiences who have often been sidelined in superhero narratives .
“Moments like these matter because they acknowledge the diverse desires and identities of the audience,” said Dr. Jamie Sanderson, a media studies professor specializing in LGBTQ+ representation, in an interview with Out Magazine. “They allow queer viewers to feel seen, not just as an afterthought, but as a vital part of the cultural conversation.”
The episode’s playful tone, combined with the cast’s willingness to engage in moments of physical vulnerability, has also sparked discussions around body positivity for men—particularly in a genre that has historically fetishized unattainable standards of masculinity. “Seeing a male character be silly, sexy, and a little bit vulnerable, all at once, is refreshing,” wrote one fan in a widely shared post on Threads. “It’s about time we get more of this energy on screen.”
The reaction from LGBTQ+ fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media feeds filled with jokes about “rewatching the scene for research purposes,” while others praised Stroma for his comedic timing and willingness to “go there” physically for a laugh. Several LGBTQ+ commentators also drew connections between the scene and broader themes of queer joy, body celebration, and the evolution of superhero media.
Popular queer culture accounts, such as @outmagazine and @pride, curated fan reactions and shared their own commentary, highlighting both the humor and the significance of the moment. “It’s rare to see a superhero show acknowledge the queer gaze so openly,” observed a columnist for Out Magazine. “Peacemaker isn’t just for straight fanboys—it’s for everyone who wants to see themselves reflected, even in moments of pure, unfiltered fun.”
