‘Superman’ Is Getting Digital Release Quickly: Blockbuster Hits PVOD After One Month in Theater
James Gunn told ScreenRant that Superman is arriving early on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango so that viewers canare watch the summer blockbuster ahead of “Peacemaker Season 2” launching August 21 on HBO Max.
Superman launched Gunn’s new DC Universe. “Peacemaker” is the next title in the universe–Gunn says that the events of “Superman” directly play into Season 2 of the John Cena-led comic book series.
Characters in “Superman,” including Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), make appearances in “Peacemaker” Season 2.
Superman is arriving on PVOD digital platforms Friday, August 15, a month after it opened in theaters, in July 11, from Warner and DC Studios.
Many comic book movie fans expressed disappointment at Warner for bringing “Superman” to digital so soon after its theatrical opening as the movie has proven to be a box-office smash hit with $334 million domestically, and nearing $600 million globally.
“Superman” has seen solid weekend holds at the box office, earning a strong $7 million in its fifth and most recent outing.
ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley told Gunn that it was heartbreaking to see “Superman” already “going to digital because I love a good, long theatrical campaign,” Gunn agreed: “Me too.”
The writer-director then explained the divisive decision. “It’s very complicated, but the truth is it is because of ‘Peacemaker,’” Gunn said. “I originally thought ‘Peacemaker’ was going to be coming out next month. There was 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,’ even those people who couldn’t get to theaters before ‘Peacemaker.’ And that’s really the reason for it.”
But Superman will continue to play in theaters even as it launches on digital platforms.
