DC Universe Rules HBO Max as James Gunn Holds Both #1 Show & #1 Movie
James Gunn’s DC Universe is making waves on HBO Max right now. The film Superman is currently the #1 movie, while the show Peacemaker leads as the #1 series. This marks a big win for Gunn, showing that both his movies and shows are hitting top spots at the same time.
Superman was released for digital download on August 15, and later premiered on HBO Max on September 19, following a 35-day and 70-day theatrical window. Physical copies on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD were released on September 23.
These home releases come with deleted scenes, a making-of documentary, commentary from Gunn, and other featurettes. Gunn said the early digital release was meant to let fans watch the film before the second season of Peacemaker, which connects directly to the movie.
The strategy paid off. According to Warner Bros., Superman drew 13 million viewers worldwide in its first ten days on HBO Max.
This was the highest number for a “pay-one” film on the platform since Barbie in December 2023. The movie’s streaming release also renewed interest in older Superman titles, including the 1978 original film, Superman Returns (2006), Man of Steel, and the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.
The teaser for the final episode of ‘PEACEMAKER’ Season 2, “Full Nelson,” is here!
— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) October 3, 2025
Premieres October 9 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/h21ZPSc4LQ
Meanwhile, Peacemaker returned to the top of the Whip Media chart for U.S. streaming originals for the week ending September 28. The show moved up from number two the previous week. The second season, starring John Cena, debuted on HBO Max on August 21.
The success of Superman and Peacemaker highlights how Gunn’s DC Universe is capturing both movie and TV audiences.
The combination of connected stories, familiar characters, and new content seems to be working perfectly. What do you think about Gunn’s DC Universe leading HBO Max? Share your thoughts in the comments.
