Following the announcement of the digital release of DC Studios’Superman, director James Gunn explains why theDC Universemovie is coming out early on VOD.2025 became a great year for the Man of Steel in the world of cinema, astheSupermanmoviebrought the DC icon back for Gunn’s new DCU franchise.
After many positive reviews and a solid box office run,Superman’sdigital release datewas recently announced,and it’s way sooner than many were expecting. Thankfully, Gunn is finally explaining whySupermanwill become available through Digital sooner rather than later.
ScreenRant’sown Liam Crowley interviewed Gunn forPeacemaker season 2,where he spoke with the DC Studios co-CEO aboutSuperman’searly digital release announcement. When asked whySupermanis getting such an early digital release, Gunn shared the following explanation that is related to thePeacemakerTV show itself:
ScreenRant: Superman was such a massive success, over half a billion dollars worldwide, and it really set the stage for the DCU moving forward. I was a little heartbroken to see it’s already going to be on digital so soon after because I love a good long theatrical campaign.
James Gunn: Me too.
ScreenRant: What was the mindset in going to streaming that soon after?
James: 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.
Peacemakerseason 2 will take place a month after the events of Gunn’s DCU movie,as John Cena had a special cameo in the film as Christopher Smith, marking one ofmany Easter eggs and DC references in Superman. SeveralSupermancharacters, like Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr., will be back forPeacemakerseason 2.
What James Gunn’s Superman Digital Release Comments Mean
While this is the first time that it has been mentioned thatPeacemakerseason 2was initially eying a September debut on HBO Max,Gunn’s explanation is also a sign that DC Studios is leaning into the marketing of the DCU franchise. As Gunn has teased that there will be connectivity betweenSupermanandPeacemakerseason 2, having the movie available ahead of the HBO Max premiere is smart.
Even though there were concerns about how this would affectSuperman’sbox officeperformance for the remainder of its run,it’s not stopping cinema-goers from catching the film in theaters, as they may prefer to see big blockbusters like Gunn’s film on the big screen.Given thatSupermanis already 2025’s highest-grossing superhero film, its early digital release is not going to hurt DC Studios at this point.
Our Take On James Gunn’s Superman Digital Release Comments
After hearing Gunn’s explanation aboutSupermangetting an early digital release,it makes a lot more sense now why DC Studios made this decision, with the additional context. Time will tell ifPeacemakerseason 2 will feature David Corenswet’s Man of Steel aftertheSupermanpost-credits scenes.
Asthe Superman Sagais just getting started,time will tell what other effects the movie will have onPeacemakerseason 2. Hopefully, following the success ofSuperman, more details about the hero’s DCU future will be revealed sooner rather than later.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
Peacemaker
Peacemaker is a television series expanding on the character from the film The Suicide Squad. Released in 2022, it follows the titular character, a determined anti-hero who upholds peace through extreme measures, as he confronts personal and external challenges in the aftermath of his previous mission.
