James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Breaks ‘Barbie’s’ 2-Year Streaming Record

James Gunn’s Superman has made a huge splash on HBO Max since it premiered on September 19. The film reached 13 million viewers worldwide in just ten days, making it the most-watched pay-one film on the service since Barbie in December 2023.

HBO Max reported that the streaming release also boosted interest in other Superman titles. The documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story saw a 670% increase in views, the 1978 Superman: The Movie jumped 155%, Superman Returns went up 120%, and Man of Steel rose 40% during the same period.

Superman had a 70-day theatrical run before hitting HBO Max. David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and Rachel Brosnahan star in the film, which also had a 35-day window to premium video on demand (PVOD) to allow fans to watch it ahead of the second season of Peacemaker.

The sixth episode of that season connected to the film and acted as a lead-in to Gunn’s next project, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, set for release on July 9, 2027.

The film was first available for digital download on August 15, and followed with Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD releases on September 23. The home editions include deleted scenes, a making-of documentary, commentary by Gunn, and several featurettes. Gunn said the early digital release was timed so audiences could watch the movie before Peacemaker season two aired.

Gunn has already started working on a follow-up film. He said in June 2025 that the next story would not be a direct sequel but would feature Superman prominently. In September, he announced the title Man of Tomorrow and revealed that filming is expected to start in April 2026.

Gunn described the movie as “as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie” and said it would show the two characters working together against a bigger threat. Corenswet and Hoult are expected to return.

In addition, Gunn is exploring spin-off TV shows based on supporting characters like Mister Terrific and Jimmy Olsen. Journalist Jeff Sneider reported that the Jimmy Olsen series could introduce the villain Gorilla Grodd to the DC Universe.

The record-breaking performance of Superman shows that audiences are excited for Gunn’s take on the character and the wider DC Universe. It’s also impressive to see older Superman films gain new viewers alongside the new release. Do you think this momentum will continue for Gunn’s upcoming projects? Share your thoughts in the comments.