Superman Drives Record Streaming Numbers, Surpassing Barbie Launch On HBO Max
Superman made quite the splash on HBO Max, racking up a whopping 13 million views in just 10 days. According to Variety, this marks the biggest movie launch on HBO Max since 2023’s hit, Barbie. James Gunn’s superhero flick premiered on September 19 and sparked a renewed interest in all things Superman.
Following the success of Superman on HBO Max, other Superman-related titles experienced a surge in streaming numbers. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story saw a 670% increase in views week over week, while classics like 1978’s Superman: The Movie and Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns also saw significant spikes in streaming numbers. Even Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, which first hit theaters in 2013, saw a jump of 40% in viewership.
After a successful run in theaters that saw Superman gross $615 million worldwide, making it the only superhero movie in 2025 to surpass the $600 million mark, the film transitioned to digital release in early August. Director James Gunn attributed this early home release to the upcoming HBO Max series Peacemaker Season 2, which ties into the events of Superman and sets the stage for Gunn’s next Superman installment, Man of Tomorrow.
Gunn has teased some details about Man of Tomorrow, hinting that the film will focus on both Lex Luthor and Superman as they join forces against a formidable foe, likely Brainiac. Filming is set to begin in April 2026, with a projected release date of July 9, 2027, just two years after Superman hit theaters. This quick turnaround reflects Gunn’s clear vision for the sequel and the exciting direction the Superman franchise is taking.
As we eagerly await the release of Man of Tomorrow, fans can look forward to more DC Universe projects in 2026, including Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface. The future of the DCU is shaping up to be action-packed and full of superhero adventures, so be sure to stay tuned for all the latest updates!
