Fortnite is preparing to reinstate the controversial Peacemaker emote after temporarily removing it amid concerns the dance resembled offensive imagery.
Epic disabled the emote last week while it investigated the creative context around the move and promised refunds for players if the emote did not return.
However, to paraphrase the famous one-liner from John Cena himself, “Now, you can see Peacemaker!” Fortnite is getting the raunchy superhero back in the game, wit some changes, of course. Here is what they put out on X:
We’ve worked closely with our partners at Warner Bros. Games to confirm there were no creative intentions to connect the Peaceful Hips Emote and the current Peacemaker storyline. To avoid any confusion, we’re modifying the Emote choreography in next week’s update. If they prefer,…
— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) October 1, 2025[1]
Brief Recap of Emote Controversy
The Peaceful Hips emote, tied to the HBO series Peacemaker and John Cena’s on-screen routine, was removed after viewers and players argued parts of the choreography, when viewed out of context, evoked imagery some compared to wartime propaganda symbols.
Epic’s initial statement said it was investigating its partner’s creative intentions and temporarily disabled the emote, offering refunds if it was permanently retired.
Peacemaker Emote Early October Comeback
Dataminers and prominent leakers claim Epic will reintroduce a revised version of the emote in a near-term update. Posts from well-known leakers state the animation will be altered to “avoid confusion” over the choreography and that players will be able to refund the emote without penalty if they dislike the changes.
One leak pinpoints an early October return date, while another suggests October 9 as a likely slot, though Epic has not confirmed any specific timeline. Readers should treat these dates as unverified until Epic publishes official patch notes.
Fans were incredulous to hear about the emot return news, with the top-rated comment on Reddit saying:
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Will Refunds Be Done?
Multiple outlets reporting on the leak say Epic plans to modify the offending gestures and re-issue the emote with new animations that emphasize the character’s movie persona rather than any ambiguous or historically charged motions.
Epic is also reportedly allowing refunds for purchasers who prefer not to keep the revised animation; players who bought the emote may be eligible for a full refund without using a support ticket. Again, Epic has not published an official how-to yet.
Here’s What Fans Should Expect From the New Emote
- Official patch notes from Epic confirming the emote’s modified choreography and an exact return date.
- The formal refund process and whether Epic will auto-refund or require user action.
- Community testing and early impressions when the updated emote appears in a public patch.
- Any commentary from the Peacemaker showrunners or John Cena, which could shape public sentiment.
As Fortnite continues high-profile collaborations with studios and IP holders, the company faces added risk that external creative choices may create unforeseen issues in game spaces accessed by millions.