James Gunn’s Superman has achieved remarkable success on HBO Max following its theatrical release this summer, marking a significant milestone for the streaming platform. The film’s strong performance reflects the growing momentum of the DC Universe (DCU) under DC Studios, which continues to expand its impact on both cinema and streaming platforms through its Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters slate.
After a theatrical run of 70 days, the Superman movie starring David Corenswet returned to audiences on HBO Max, quickly becoming the streamer’s most-watched title in a 10-day span since 2023’s Barbie. The film earned over $615 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing superhero movie of 2025 and surpassing all Marvel Studios releases this year. This blend of box office and streaming success underscores James Gunn Superman success as one of the most noteworthy achievements in recent DC releases.
Strong Streaming Numbers and Related Viewership Trends
According to Variety, Superman attracted more than 13 million global views within its first ten days on HBO Max. The film’s release on the platform propelled a surge in interest for other Superman projects, as viewers sought out earlier installments and related content during September. For example, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story experienced a 670% increase in viewership, while Superman: The Movie saw a 155% rise. Other related titles like Superman Returns and Man of Steel also recorded boosts of 120% and an unspecified amount, respectively.
This renewed enthusiasm for Superman content highlights how the James Gunn Superman success on HBO Max extends beyond the new film alone, influencing the broader DC catalog and strengthening the franchise’s presence across streaming offerings owned by Warner Bros.
Future Appearances and the Expanding DC Universe
The success of the film on HBO Max comes as David Corenswet is confirmed to reprise his role as Superman in 2027’s upcoming Man of Tomorrow, which will also star Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan. The current film’s positive reception and streaming popularity set a strong foundation for this follow-up, fueling audience excitement for the next chapter in Clark Kent’s story.
Meanwhile, HBO Max is also featuring Peacemaker season 2, which includes multiple connections to the Superman film. This cross-promotion supports audience engagement with the DCU as a whole, encouraging viewers to revisit James Gunn’s cinematic take on Superman as they anticipate further developments in this evolving franchise.
A Reflective Perspective on Superman’s Impact
The world’s enthusiastic embrace of James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman speaks to both the film’s critical reception and its commercial achievements in theaters and on streaming platforms alike. With strong audience approval, the franchise has established a promising path forward, evidenced by the swift announcement of a sequel and continued content expansion.
Looking ahead, the hope is that upcoming DCU titles will emulate Superman’s success, thriving not only on the big screen but also once they reach digital and streaming audiences. The achievements of 2025 reveal the benefits of dedicated creative efforts and strategic franchise development under DC Studios and Warner Bros.
Main Cast of the Film
David Corenswet stars as Superman, embodying the iconic character in this new chapter of the DC Universe. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, continuing the legacy of this central Superman character and adding depth to the film’s storytelling.
