James Gunn Explains Surprise Superman Digital Release Reason

by Sofia Alvarez August 15, 2025

written by Sofia Alvarez August 15, 2025

Superman is set to hit home screens much sooner than anticipated, a move that could also elevate another prominent DCU character.

Director James Gunn revealed that the highly anticipated film will receive an early digital release on Aug. 15, a little over a month after its theatrical debut. When asked by a reporter about Warner Bros.’ decision, Gunn explained that the timing was largely influenced by the release of *Peacemaker* season 2. “I originally thought *Peacemaker* was going to be coming out next month,” Gunn stated. “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.”

The film has already achieved significant critical and commercial success for Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC shared universe. It currently boasts an 83% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 91% audience score. Domestically, it has surpassed Zack Snyder’s *Man of Steel* to become the highest-grossing standalone Superman film. The movie chronicles David Corenswet’s Superman as his mission for truth is challenged when Lex Luthor uncovers a secret about his alien origins. Breaking from tradition, Gunn’s rendition features a wider array of metahumans and includes a cameo from his cousin, Kara Zor-El, ahead of her film *Supergirl* next year.

Peacemaker Season 2 Picks Up Threads from Superman

John Cena’s Peacemaker, who made a brief appearance in *Superman*, will have his new season also integrated into the DCU timeline, bridging the gap from the previous DCEU. Trailers for *Peacemaker* season 2 have already teased this connection, showing Christopher Smith attending an audition with Maxwell Lord, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl. Promotional materials further highlight the season’s focus on multiverse-adjacent events, with Peacemaker discovering a pocket universe where he’s celebrated. This isn’t Cena’s first foray into interdimensional themes, as he previously voiced the character in a non-canonical capacity in *Mortal Kombat 1*.

The upcoming *Lanterns* series, featuring Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner alongside Hal Jordan and John Stewart, will also strengthen the connective tissue between DCU films and shows. Meanwhile, a different iteration of Superman will return in *My Adventures With Superman* Season 3, which is currently in post-production.

Superman continues to play in theaters.