Superman Soars to HBO Max's Biggest Movie Launch Since 'Barbie'
In a stunning display of cinematic might, the latest iteration of Superman has landed on HBO Max with a resounding thud, drawing in 13 million views in its first 10 days on the platform. According to Variety, this marks the streamer's biggest 10-day audience for a movie debut since "Barbie" began streaming in 2023.
The James Gunn-directed film, starring David Corenswet as the iconic superhero, has proven to be a major draw for audiences, with its impressive viewership numbers indicating a strong appetite for the character. "Superman's enduring popularity is a testament to the character's timeless appeal," said an HBO Max spokesperson. "We're thrilled to see fans flocking to the platform to experience this latest take on the classic hero."
The success of Superman has also had a ripple effect, boosting viewership numbers for other streaming features related to the character. During the week of Sept. 15-21, Christopher Reeve's documentary "Superman: The Christopher Reeve Story" saw a 670% increase in streaming compared to the previous week, while the 1978 classic "Superman: The Movie" jumped by 155%, and "Superman Returns" increased by 120%. Even the Snyderverse got some love, with "Man of Steel" experiencing a 40% boost.
Industry insiders attribute Superman's longevity with audiences to its ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist. "The character has always been a symbol of hope and optimism, and in these uncertain times, people are looking for escapism," said a film analyst. "Superman's enduring appeal is a reminder that, despite the changing landscape of entertainment, some things remain timeless."
As HBO Max continues to ride the wave of Superman's success, fans can look forward to more exciting developments on the platform. The Peacemaker series, which features a cameo from David Corenswet, is currently heading into its final episodes, and with Superman's magic still in the air, it remains to be seen what other surprises HBO Max has in store.
Background: The latest iteration of Superman was directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet as the iconic superhero. The film premiered on HBO Max in September 2023.
Additional Perspectives: Industry experts attribute Superman's success to its ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, providing escapism for audiences in uncertain times.
Current Status: With 13 million views in its first 10 days on HBO Max, Superman has become the streamer's biggest movie launch since "Barbie" began streaming in 2023.
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*
