James Gunn told ScreenRant that “Superman” is arriving early on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and more so that viewers are able to watch the summer blockbuster ahead of “Peacemaker” Season 2 launching Aug. 21 on HBO Max.
“Superman” effectively launched Gunn’s new DC Universe. “Peacemaker” is the next title in the universe, with Gunn having said already in several interviews that the events of “Superman” directly play into Season 2 of the John Cena-led comic book series. Characters introduced in “Superman,” including Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), even make appearances in “Peacemaker” Season 2.
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“Superman” is arriving on PVOD digital platforms Friday, Aug. 15, more or less a month after it opened in theaters July 11 from Warner Bros. and DC Studios. Many comic book movie fans expressed disappointment at Warner Bros. for bringing “Superman” to digital so soon after its theatrical opening since the movie has proven to be a box office smash hit with $334 million and counting domestically. The film is nearing $600 million globally as well. “Superman” has seen solid weekend holds at the box office, earning a strong $7 million in its fifth and most recent outing.
When 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 by saying, “Me too.” The writer-director then explained the divisive decision.
“Well, 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 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.”
“Superman” will continue to play in theaters even as it launches on digital platforms.
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