Did James Gunn's Superman get a digital release date? Details explored

Superman is set to arrive on digital platforms sooner than expected. The James Gunn-directed DC reboot, starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, will reportedly be available on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) from August 26, 2025.

This date, first reported by When to Stream, has not yet been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. The early release comes just 45 days after the film’s theatrical debut on July 11.

In the film, Clark Kent balances his life as a journalist and a hero while facing public doubt over his role in global and domestic affairs. Lex Luthor seizes the opportunity to undermine him, forcing Superman to rely on Lois Lane, fellow metahumans, and his canine ally Krypto to protect humanity.

Directed and written by Gunn, the movie marks the first live-action big-screen debut of Krypto the Superdog. It serves as the opening chapter in the newly launched DC Universe.

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Superman digital release date and availability

According to When to Stream, the film will be available for digital purchase or rental starting August 26, 2025. This release date is yet to be confirmed by Warner Bros., but it would follow the industry trend of offering major titles on PVOD within 45 to 50 days of their theatrical debut.

The early digital release mirrors recent strategies by studios to capitalize on strong opening-month interest while theatrical earnings begin to decline. Upon its release on PVOD and streaming platforms, viewers in the US will be able to purchase the film for $29.99 or rent it for $24.99 for 48 hours on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, YouTube, and other major digital platforms.

In the UK, prices for rental and purchase are expected to range between £15 and £20. The film has already been listed for digital pre-order on several services, a standard practice for high-profile releases.

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Superman’s box office performance

Lex Luthor confronts Clark Kent in his office during a heated exchange. (Image via DC)

The film opened on July 11, 2025, and maintained a strong performance in its first month. The production budget was reportedly $225 million, with an additional $125 million spent on marketing.

As of now, the global gross income is $565.5 million. While the film achieved significant earnings, it will finish its theatrical earnings below Man of Steel’s $670 million total.

The early PVOD release could allow Warner Bros. to maximize revenue while the film still has strong audience interest. This release timing follows a pattern for major films in the post-pandemic market, where shorter theatrical windows are increasingly common.

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Superman’s story and cast

Lois Lane meets Superman on a ruined city street after a major battle. (Image via DC)

Written and helmed by James Gunn, the movie features David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman in the inaugural installment of the recently established DC Universe. It acts as a complete reset of the character, redefining his beginnings and role in the broader superhero universe.

The story revolves around Clark Kent as he becomes entangled in international and local conflicts, with his choices facing heavy public examination. This strain offers an opportunity for tech mogul Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) to influence situations and devise ways to eliminate Superman as a supposed danger.

Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), a journalist at the Daily Planet, collaborates with fellow metahumans, such as Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), to assist Superman in thwarting Luthor’s schemes. Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) has a minor role as well.

The film combines action scenes with segments that delve into Superman’s connections, duties, and the difficulties of being a prominent figure during a time of political and social division.

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Critical reception and what’s next for the superhero in the DCU

Lex Luthor stands in his office, listening through an earpiece as he prepares his next move. (Image via DC)

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 83% critic rating based on 472 reviews, earning a “Certified Fresh” designation. The audience score stands at 91% from over 25,000 verified ratings. Critics noted the film’s ability to establish a new Superman within a fresh DCU framework, and audiences responded positively to Corenswet’s portrayal and Krypto’s role.

Following the film’s success, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during the company’s August 2025 quarterly shareholder call, reported by Variety on August 7, 2025, that Gunn is set to write and direct

“the next installment in the Super-Family.”

He also praised Gunn and DC Studios for

“breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world.”

This will be Gunn’s third directorial effort in the DCU, after Superman and episodes of Peacemaker season two. The 2026 DCU slate also includes Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. There are alleged reports of potential spin-off series featuring Mister Terrific and Jimmy Olsen. For now, the film continues its theatrical run ahead of its planned August 26 PVOD release.

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