If you’ve been living under a rock—or maybe just avoiding the chaotic cycle of superhero movie news—you might be asking yourself: is the new superman movie out yet?
The short answer is yes. Very much yes.
James Gunn’s Superman didn’t just sneak into theaters; it landed with the weight of a crashing Kryptonian pod back in July 2025. It’s been months since the red cape first fluttered across IMAX screens, and honestly, the landscape of the DC Universe looks completely different now. If you missed the theatrical window, don't sweat it. You've got plenty of ways to catch up before the rest of the "Gods and Monsters" slate starts dropping.
Where Can You Watch It Right Now?
So, you missed the big screen experience. It happens. The good news is that as of January 2026, the movie is widely available.
Basically, if you have an HBO Max (or just Max, depending on where you live) subscription, you’re golden. The film hit the streaming service on September 19, 2025. This was actually a bit earlier than some people expected, but Gunn was pretty vocal about wanting fans to see it before Peacemaker Season 2 started its run in late August, since the two projects are surprisingly linked.
If you aren't into subscriptions, you can still find it on:
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- Amazon Prime Video: Available to rent or buy (usually around $19.99 to $24.99).
- Apple TV: Standard digital purchase.
- Physical Media: There’s a 4K UHD Steelbook that collectors have been raving about, which hit shelves on September 23, 2025.
It’s worth noting that the digital version includes a bunch of behind-the-scenes stuff, specifically focusing on how they did the flight sequences without making it look like a video game.
What Actually Happens in This Version?
Forget the origin story. We don't see the planet Krypton explode for the hundredth time. Thank god.
James Gunn decided to skip the baby-in-a-basket routine and starts us off with a Clark Kent who is already established at the Daily Planet. David Corenswet plays a Superman who is about 25 years old. He’s optimistic, a bit of a dork, and—most importantly—he’s kind of a "big presence" trying to act small.
The plot revolves around Superman intervening in an international conflict. It sounds simple, but billionaire Lex Luthor (played with a weirdly charismatic, Elon Musk-style ego by Nicholas Hoult) orchestrates things so that the public starts questioning whether a guy with god-like powers should be allowed to interfere in human politics at all.
The Cast Everyone Is Talking About
Corenswet had huge boots to fill after Henry Cavill, but the general consensus is that he nailed it. He’s got that Christopher Reeve twinkle in his eye. Then there’s Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. She isn't a damsel. She’s a fast-talking, Pulitzer-chasing journalist who is actually skeptical of Superman at first.
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The movie also serves as a "soft launch" for other heroes. You'll see:
- Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion): A Green Lantern who is, frankly, kind of a jerk.
- Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi): Brilliant, cool-headed, and a fan favorite.
- Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced): Setting up her own future in the DCU.
- Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan): Providing some of the most emotional beats in the film.
And yeah, Krypto the Superdog is in it. He’s not a cartoon; he’s a messy, untrained dog with superpowers, and he steals every scene he's in.
Did It Actually Do Well?
The box office numbers were a bit of a rollercoaster. It ended its theatrical run with a worldwide total of $617 million.
Is that Avengers money? No. But it’s the second highest-grossing Superman movie ever, only trailing behind 2013's Man of Steel. Critics loved it for being "earnest" and "colorful," though some complained it felt a little "overstuffed" with all those other superheroes appearing.
Honestly, the biggest win for DC Studios wasn't just the money. It was the reputation. People actually seem to like Superman again. He’s not a mopey god anymore; he’s just a guy trying to do the right thing in a world that’s increasingly cynical.
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What’s Next After You’ve Seen It?
Once you’ve checked off the "is the new superman movie out" box on your watchlist, you’re officially ready for the rest of the DCU. The momentum is moving fast.
James Gunn has already confirmed a follow-up titled Man of Tomorrow, which is slated for July 9, 2027. But you won't have to wait that long for more Kryptonian action. Milly Alcock (who had a tiny cameo in the first film) is starring in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is coming out on June 26, 2026.
If you want the full experience, here is your "homework":
- Watch Peacemaker Season 2: It deals with the fallout of the movie's ending.
- Read "All-Star Superman": This was the primary comic book inspiration for Corenswet’s performance.
- Keep an eye on "Clayface": A horror-leaning DC movie coming in September 2026.
The era of "dark and gritty" DC seems to be in the rearview mirror. Whether you watch it on a massive IMAX screen or your phone during a commute, this new version of the Man of Steel is the foundation for everything coming over the next decade.
To get the most out of your viewing, I recommend checking the "Special Features" on the Max app, specifically the featurette on the LuthorCorp world-building—it hints at some major villains coming in the 2027 sequel.