Netflix CEO Suggests ‘Superman’ Underperformed at the Box Office

Published Feb 4, 2026, 10:22 AM EST

Marcos Melendez is an entertainment journalist who has been active since 2017. His past work can be read on Collider, Escapist, ScreenRant, CBR, and Full Circle Cinema. He is currently a News Editor for MovieWeb.

Although Superman was undeniably a hit with critics and audiences alike, it sounds like it was not the box office earner that some may have assumed it was. Despite successfully jumpstarting the rebooted DCU Universe and setting up a sequel, Netflix has seemingly claimed that the film may have underperformed during its opening weeks, which led to a shortened theatrical window before becoming available to watch at home.

While speaking at a Senate hearing (via ComicBookMovie), Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos commented on the streamer’s commitment to a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films. The executive admitted that the window will shift slightly depending on how movies perform at the box office, citing Superman as an example of one that landed on digital sooner rather than later. While James Gunn previously stated that his 2025 blockbuster hit digital platforms early in order to line up with Peacemaker, Netflix suggested that it was the box office performance that dictated the decision.

“[45 days] is the industry standard for self-enforcement. However, routinely, movies that underperform, the window moves a little bit. Superman was a little shorter window. And Sinners was a little longer window.”

More to come.