James Gunn revealed that the film Superman is being released early on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home to allow viewers to watch the movie ahead of the Peacemaker Season 2 premiere, which is set for August 21 on HBO Max. This decision closely connects the release strategies for the blockbuster film and the upcoming season of the John Cena-led series, both integral parts of Gunn’s newly established DC Universe.
Superman Sets the Stage for Peacemaker’s Second Season
Superman opened in theaters on July 11 through Warner Bros. and DC Studios and has performed strongly at the box office, earning $334 million domestically and nearing $600 million worldwide. The film’s success and its introduction of key characters like Hawkgirl, played by Isabela Merced, and Guy Gardner, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, are directly tied to the narrative progression in Peacemaker Season 2, where these characters will make appearances.
This connection makes it important for fans of the series and the film to be able to watch Superman before the new season of Peacemaker airs, which motivated the early availability on paid video on demand (PVOD) platforms starting August 15.
Understanding the Early Digital Release Decision
Many comic book movie enthusiasts expressed disappointment that Superman would arrive on digital platforms so soon after its theatrical debut, especially given the film’s box office strength and steady weekend revenue, having recently earned $7 million in its fifth week. When ScreenRant’s Andy Behbakht mentioned that it was
“heartbreaking to see Superman already going to digital because I love a good, long theatrical campaign,”
James Gunn acknowledged the sentiment.
Gunn explained the reasoning behind the early release as follows:
“Well, it’s very complicated, but the truth is it is because of ‘Peacemaker.’ I originally thought ‘Peacemaker’ was going to be coming out next month. There was a lot of things that are beyond our control, so that ‘Peacemaker’ is coming out now, and, at the end of the day, I wanted everyone to be able to see ‘Superman’ that wanted to, even those people who couldn’t get to a theater before ‘Peacemaker.’ And that’s really the reason for it.” —James Gunn, Writer-Director
Ongoing Theatrical Availability Despite Digital Launch
Despite the film’s early arrival on digital outlets, Superman will continue to play in theaters alongside its PVOD release. This strategy allows audiences multiple ways to experience the film while maintaining its presence on the big screen as Peacemaker Season 2 unfolds later this month.
