The Man of Steel is coming home to streaming. James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman” film will make its HBO Max debut on September 19, the writer-director announced across his social media platforms, bringing the year’s most successful comic book blockbuster to home audiences.
Breaking Box Office Records
“Superman” has proven to be an unstoppable force at the global box office, earning an impressive $615 million worldwide since its theatrical release. This remarkable performance has cemented the film as 2024’s highest-grossing comic book movie, demonstrating that audiences are eager for Gunn’s fresh take on the iconic DC hero.
The film’s success began with a thunderous opening weekend, where it dominated domestic theaters with $125 million in ticket sales. Warner Bros.’ strategic July 11 worldwide release proved to be perfectly timed, as “Superman” maintained its position as the world’s number one movie for an impressive two consecutive weeks. Only Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” managed to dethrone the film at the end of the month, marking the end of Superman’s box office reign.
Launching a New DC Universe
“Superman” represents far more than just another superhero movie—it’s the cornerstone of Warner Bros.’ ambitious reboot of the DC Universe. Under the creative leadership of James Gunn and producer Peter Safran, DC Studios is embarking on a comprehensive strategy to create interconnected films and series featuring the publisher’s beloved comic book characters.
This marks Warner Bros.’ second major attempt at establishing a shared DC Cinematic Universe. The previous DC Extended Universe, which included notable titles like “Man of Steel,” “Wonder Woman,” “Justice League,” “Black Adam,” and Gunn’s own “The Suicide Squad,” concluded with 2023’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
A Star-Studded Cast for a New Era
Gunn has assembled an exceptional ensemble cast to breathe new life into these iconic characters. David Corenswet steps into the cape as the titular Superman, joined by Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult’s menacing Lex Luthor. The film expands the DC universe with Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific.
The supporting cast reads like a who’s who of Hollywood talent, featuring Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Bradley Cooper lending his voice to Superman’s father, Jor-El. Notably, the film also includes appearances from Milly Alcock’s Supergirl and John Cena’s Peacemaker—the latter being the only character carried over from the previous DC Extended Universe.
Streaming Success Awaits
When “Superman” arrives on HBO Max, it will join an growing collection of DC content on the platform, including critically acclaimed series like “The Penguin” and “Peacemaker.” This strategic move ensures that the film’s record-breaking success continues into the streaming realm, potentially attracting new subscribers and satisfying existing fans eager to revisit Gunn’s vision.
The September 19 release date positions “Superman” perfectly for fall viewing, likely coinciding with the platform’s push for premium content as the entertainment landscape becomes increasingly competitive.
With its combination of box office dominance, critical acclaim, and the promise of an interconnected DC universe, James Gunn’s “Superman” has successfully relaunched one of pop culture’s most enduring characters for a new generation. The film’s upcoming HBO Max debut ensures that even more audiences will have the opportunity to experience this triumphant return of the Last Son of Krypton.
