James Gunn Explains Why Superman Is Hitting Digital So Early

2025 has been a banner year for the Man of Steel.

James Gunn’s Superman didn’t just bring the DC icon back to the big screen… it kickstarted the new DCU with glowing reviews and a box office haul that’s got Warner Bros. grinning like Lex Luthor after a hostile takeover.

And now? We’re getting it on digital way earlier than anyone thought. (8/15/25)

No long wait, no drawn out “exclusive theatrical window.” Just a straight up, “Here you go, enjoy it at home.”

Why so soon?

Gunn finally spills the beans on this and it may surprise you. In a chat with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley while promoting Peacemaker season 2 he goes into how it wasn’t necessarily a decision he was excited about, but one that makes perfect business sense.

It’s also clear Gunn wants this movie in as many hands as possible… fast.

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.

So, there ya have it. No the movie isn’t a flop… And no, the studio isn’t worried about the future of the DCU. It’s simply to get people as invested in the overall story as possible.

Lets us know your thoughts below.