James Gunn sets the record straight for future DC Universe movies and their upcoming digital releases. 2025 became the year for the DCU timeline to finally get a proper kickoff, as Gunn’s Superman movie re-imagined the Man of Steel for a whole new generation of fans all over the world.
Following the release of Gunn’s 2025 entry, Superman’s digital release ended up being earlier than expected, as the DCU installment became available to purchase digitally as of August 15. That meant the David Corenswet-starring film headed to VOD after only being in theaters for 35 days, which has sparked a lot of conversation about the film’s theatrical run.
During Gunn’s appearance on the I Think You’re Overthinking It podcast, the topic of Superman’s early digital release was brought up. While Gunn stated Peacemaker season 2 was the major reason why his DCU movie got released on digital early, the DC Studio co-CEO did stress that future DC Studios films will not be getting the same treatment:
James Gunn: Next time, it’s gonna be longer. I don’t want people to get used to it, it’s purely because of Peacemaker that I let it come out at this time.
What James Gunn’s DC Universe Digital Release Comments Mean
Given how there were multiple characters in Superman who will also be back for Peacemaker season 2, it makes sense why DC Studios actually went for an early digital release, especially as Gunn’s film was the true start of the interconnected franchise. Plot points that began in Gunn’s movie will continue throughout the new season of John Cena’s superhero series.
However, based on Gunn’s latest comments, upcoming releases like the Supergirl movie, which arrives in 2026, will have a more traditional distribution plan for VOD, given that her film isn’t leading into a DCU TV show arriving the following month. Superman may be the rare exception for DC Studios, especially as Cena’s Peacemaker even had a cameo in Corenswet’s installment.
Our Take On James Gunn’s DC Universe Digital Release Comments
With Gunn’s confidence over the DCU, including how they will approach future movies’ digital distribution, his comments will hopefully satisfy those who had issues with Superman being available to purchase only after 35 days. To this point, the movies that are going forward are currently not meant to tie into any of the shows that are happening at DC Studios.
As there are more DCU filming plans for various movies that are looking to start in the near future, time will tell what the connectivity will look like across the big and small screens, which will be different from how Superman and Peacemaker season 2 did it. But based on Gunn’s comments about future DCU digital releases, there are now clearer expectations for upcoming DC Studios movies.
