‘Superman’ Was Given a Quick Digital Release Because of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

The sudden reveal that Superman would land on Digital after just a month in theaters hit many cinema fans like a speeding locomotive. Superman is available on Digital now, with the shorter and shorter gaps between theatrical releases and streaming ones a huge concern for the industry. But writer, director, and DC Studios boss James Gunn has now explained why Superman has hit Digital faster than a speeding bullet. And it’s all because of Peacemaker.

Speaking recently with ScreenRant, Gunn answered “Me too” when told the interviewer was “heartbroken to see it’s already going to be on digital so soon after because I love a good long theatrical campaign.” But, for all of those who feel the same, John Cena’s Peacemaker is to blame, with Gunn wanting everyone to be able to see Superman before Peacemaker Season 2 hits HBO Max on August 21.

“Well, it’s very complicated, but the truth is it is because of ‘Peacemaker.’ 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.”

Will the DCU Be More Like the MCU Than We Thought?

Still from Peacemaker Season 2. — HBO Max

Of course, there will be many happy to see Superman released on Digital so quickly, with some preferring to watch the DCU outing from the comfort of their own home, while others will be eager to rewatch the Man of Steel take to the skies all over again without having to head out to the theater. However, James Gunn’s explanation has some fans worried that the filmmaker has already betrayed his plans for the DCU. Namely, that it would differentiate itself from the MCU by making each project standalone and thus not require any “homework.” With Gunn now saying he wanted everyone to be able to see Superman before Peacemaker Season 2, some fans are concerned.

“The impression I’m getting is that he just called Superman homework for Peacemaker season 2, and I really hope that isn’t the case,” said one user on X/Twitter. “I think he’s possibly conflating Peacemaker as a part of superman’s story now. Hopefully the movie is contextually clarified in the show itself. So while helpful isn’t required,” added another user, with this fan “Praying it’s not, especially when he kept saying that the DCU wouldn’t do that kinda thing.”

It’s very possible, even likely, that James Gunn simply wants audiences to be able to entrench themselves in the beginnings of the DCU before continuing on with Peacemaker. And releasing Superman on Digital is certainly the most efficient and convenient way to do that. But we do already know that Peacemaker Season 2 will feature characters from Superman, including Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, so here’s hoping that watching Superman first will simply make the series even more enjoyable, rather than being required viewing.