Superman Flies Onto Digital Just Over a Month After Hitting Theaters

Superman, the first theatrical release for James Gunn’s DCU that sparked both hope and a little punk-rock rebellion, hit theaters just last month. Now, it’s already available to watch on digital marketplaces like Prime Video.

The fast turnaround isn’t an indicator of failure at the box office. In fact, the opposite is true. Gunn had his own reasons for pushing the movie to VOD so soon, reasons that tie directly into the broader storytelling of his new DC universe. And if you’re looking for a movie night this weekend, the chemistry between David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan makes it an easy recommendation—though Nicholas Hoult is stealing scenes too.

Superman Arrives on Digital

Since its theatrical debut, Superman has grossed more than $580 million worldwide. While that number may not quite match the highs of mid-2010s Marvel releases, it still carries weight. The movie scored the biggest opening weekend of any Superman film in history and currently holds the title of highest-grossing superhero release of 2025. (Yes, even ahead of Fantastic Four.)

Ahead of the film’s VOD release, James Gunn posted on social media encouraging fans to see Superman in theaters while they could. But soon after, he emphasized that this wasn’t just about box office momentum. The reason for the fast shift to digital ties back to one word: Peacemaker.

Peacemaker and the Future of the DCU

Season 2 of Peacemaker lands on HBO Max on August 21. According to Gunn, it picks up immediately after the events of Superman. He told The Hollywood Reporter:

“Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker. It’s incredibly important.”

This marks a clear shift in how DC storytelling will be structured moving forward. Instead of films and shows existing in silos, Gunn is weaving them into one continuous narrative. Much like how Marvel once used Iron Man and Captain America to thread a cinematic tapestry, Gunn is now trying to create his own connected world with Superman as its anchor.

The Superman Saga Begins

That brings us to the broader plan. Gunn has recently started referring to the coming years of films as the Superman Saga. That phrasing suggests more than just one or two follow-ups—it hints at a long-term roadmap, likely including ensemble crossovers, recurring villains, and fresh takes on Kryptonian mythology.

The first confirmed step? Supergirl, scheduled for release next summer. Given Gunn’s careful use of character relationships, it wouldn’t be shocking if the film dives into the family dynamic between Kara Zor-El and Clark Kent. A “Super-family” storyline could redefine how the DCU treats Superman—not as a lone savior, but as part of a larger legacy.

Critics Are On Board

Early reviews have backed up Gunn’s gamble. A recent Vocal Media review summed it up:

“Superman is a wonderfully entertaining, heartfelt cinematic reset for the Man of Steel, and a great new start for the DC universe on the big screen. David Corenswet is a natural, benevolent Superman, Nicholas Hoult’s egomaniacal Lex Luthor gives him the perfect foil, and by minute two, you’ll be willing to burn a thousand Kryptons if it means saving Supes’ chaotic, good-boy companion Krypto the Superdog.”

That balance—hope, humor, and heartfelt storytelling—is what Gunn has staked his DCU on.

Streaming and Physical Release Plans

As for streaming? Despite the hype, Warner Bros. hasn’t announced a date for Superman on HBO Max. If the studio follows the pattern of recent releases, fans should expect it sometime in October.

Physical collectors, however, won’t need to wait that long. A Blu-ray and 4K steelbook are already up for preorder, with a release date of September 23. That’s about the same cost as renting the movie on Prime, except you actually get to own it forever—something worth considering as studios shuffle titles on and off streaming services.

Final Thoughts

Superman’s rapid shift to digital doesn’t spell trouble. Instead, it signals that James Gunn is dead serious about the DCU functioning as a connected story machine. With Peacemaker season 2 dropping soon and Supergirl on the horizon, Superman is just the first note in what Gunn is calling “the Superman Saga.”

And if the $580 million box office haul and glowing reviews are any indication, audiences are more than ready to follow where it goes next.