In a stunning display of DC Universe dominance, James Gunn’s creative vision has propelled two of his flagship projects to the top of HBO Max’s charts. As of early October 2025, “Superman,” the blockbuster film that kicked off the rebooted DCU, reigns as the platform’s number one movie, while “Peacemaker” Season 2 holds the crown for top TV series. This dual triumph isn’t just a win for Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service—it’s a signal that Gunn’s blend of heart, humor, and high-stakes action is resonating louder than ever with audiences craving fresh superhero fare.
“Superman,” directed and co-written by Gunn, hit theaters on July 11, 2025, introducing David Corenswet as the Man of Steel in a story that dives into Clark Kent’s dual life amid global conflicts and personal vulnerabilities. The film pits him against a cunning Lex Luthor, played with oily menace by Nicholas Hoult, while Rachel Brosnahan shines as the intrepid Lois Lane. Gunn’s take emphasizes Superman’s optimism and humanity, drawing from classic comics while injecting modern twists like metahuman geopolitics and tech billionaire intrigue. It grossed over $615 million worldwide, marking the highest-earning superhero flick of the year and outpacing Marvel’s recent outings. Streaming on HBO Max since September 19, the movie has racked up 13 million global views in its first 10 days, the platform’s biggest movie debut in nearly two years. Fans are rewatching for the Easter eggs tying into the broader DCU, including nods to upcoming projects like “Man of Tomorrow,” Gunn’s planned Superman sequel set for 2027.
This streaming surge has also boosted interest in legacy Superman titles on the service. Classics like “Superman: The Movie” from 1978 saw a 332% viewership spike, while Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” topped recent Superman films with a 218% increase. Even documentaries such as “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” experienced a whopping 1,206% lift, proving the character’s enduring appeal. HBO Max enhanced the experience with an in-app “takeover,” transforming the homepage into a Daily Planet-inspired portal complete with hidden features like Lex Luthor’s pocket prison, making binging feel immersive and fun.
Complementing this cinematic powerhouse is “Peacemaker” Season 2, the irreverent series that Gunn created and wrote, starring John Cena as the conflicted vigilante Chris Smith. Premiering August 21, 2025, the eight-episode run picks up after “Superman,” thrusting Peacemaker into an alternate dimension where his fractured family dynamic plays out as a twisted superhero dream. Cena’s raw portrayal—mixing vulnerability, violence, and absurd comedy—earned the show a near-perfect 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics hailing its balance of emotional depth and over-the-top action. Viewership climbed episode by episode, with the finale drawing 44% more eyes than the premiere, solidifying its spot as HBO Max’s most-watched series in multiple countries.
The season explores heavy themes like redemption and multiversal chaos, featuring returning cast members alongside cameos from “Superman” alums. Rick Flag Sr., portrayed by Frank Grillo, emerges as a vengeful A.R.G.U.S. director, adding layers of rivalry and revenge. Gunn’s signature style—think Guardians of the Galaxy’s wit meets The Suicide Squad’s grit—shines through, with dance sequences, R-rated humor, and poignant family drama keeping viewers hooked. It’s no surprise the show topped charts in 58 countries post its third episode, briefly yielding the U.S. throne to a rival but reclaiming global buzz.
What makes this double-header so electric is their interconnectedness. Gunn timed “Superman’s” early digital and streaming rollout to sync with “Peacemaker,” ensuring fans could catch up on the DCU’s lore before diving into the series’ wild multiverse antics. Both projects bridge the old DCEU with the new DCU, retrofitting elements like Peacemaker’s backstory into canon while forging ahead with fresh narratives. This synergy has fans theorizing about crossovers, especially with teases of Lex Luthor’s schemes and metahuman control echoing across mediums.
Gunn’s DCU era, launched under DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, is proving its mettle against a superhero landscape fatigued by formulaic reboots. While Marvel grapples with underwhelming returns, DC’s focus on character-driven stories and Gunn’s irreverent touch is drawing crowds back to the genre. Social media buzz on X reflects the excitement, with users celebrating the chart-toppers and speculating on Season 3 for “Peacemaker.” Critics and viewers alike praise how these entries revitalize icons: Superman as a beacon of hope, Peacemaker as a chaotic antihero forcing us to confront our flaws.
As October unfolds with Halloween horrors dominating other streamers, HBO Max’s DC duo stands out for offering escapism with substance. Whether you’re soaring with the Last Son of Krypton or dodging butterflies in a parallel world, Gunn’s worlds are must-binge territory. With more DCU projects like “Lanterns” and “Supergirl” on the horizon, this is just the launchpad for a universe poised to redefine capes and cowls. Dive in—the peace is worth the fight.
