This summer, James Gunn marked his debut with DC Studios through his acclaimed Superman film starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult. While that movie achieved substantial box office and critical success, not all of Gunn’s projects have fared as well. His 2019 superhero horror film, Brightburn, which initially underperformed at the box office, has recently experienced a notable resurgence through streaming services.
Currently, Brightburn ranks among the top ten most-streamed films on Peacock in the United States, holding the sixth spot. It now shares the list with popular titles such as Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, Kung Fu Panda 4, 21 Jump Street, and The Replacements. Despite its modest $33 million box office earnings, the film has drawn attention again, largely due to its unique blend of superhero themes and horror elements.
Plot Overview of Brightburn
Brightburn tells the story of Tori and Kyle Breyer, whose long-awaited joy arrives in the form of a mysterious baby boy named Brandon. The couple believes their son is special—intelligent, gifted, and inquisitive. However, as Brandon approaches adolescence, a dark power begins to emerge within him, raising serious concerns for those around him.
“After a difficult struggle with fertility, Tori Breyer’s dreams of motherhood come true with the arrival of a mysterious baby boy. Brandon appears to be everything Tori and her husband, Kyle, ever wanted — bright, talented and curious about the world. But as Brandon nears puberty, powerful darkness manifests within him, and Tori becomes consumed by terrible doubts about her son. Once Brandon begins to act on his twisted urges, those closest to him find themselves in grave danger.” —Source
The Prospect of a Brightburn Sequel
Since its release, fans have speculated about a possible Brightburn sequel, eager to see unanswered questions resolved. Despite the original film’s financial struggles, its cult following remains devoted and hopeful. However, James Gunn addressed these expectations in a candid social media response late last year, confirming there are currently no plans to continue the story.
No plans at all for this right now.
—James Gunn
Meanwhile, Gunn is occupied with multiple projects within the DC universe, including a Superman sequel titled Man of Tomorrow, a Supergirl film directed by Craig Gillespie, and a Clayface movie helmed by James Watkins. These new productions suggest his continued commitment to expanding the superhero genre on screen, even as Brightburn’s immediate future remains uncertain.
Current Availability and Audience Engagement
Brightburn is now accessible for streaming on Peacock, attracting viewers who may have missed its initial theatrical release. Its unexpected revival highlights how digital platforms can offer a second life to films that underperformed in cinemas, allowing niche or genre-specific works to find a broader audience over time. This phenomenon illustrates the evolving landscape of film consumption and distribution in the streaming age.
