Netflix CEO Suggests 'Superman' Underperformed at the Box Office

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos told a Senate hearing that the streamer generally adheres to a 45-day theatrical window but that the timing can shift depending on box office performance, saying some films that underperform have shorter windows and citing Superman as an example while noting Sinners had a longer window.

Superman was released in theaters on Jul. 11, 2025 and arrived on digital platforms 35 days later on Aug. 15, a move that occurred while the film was still playing in theaters and earlier than an originally reported Aug. 26 date.

James Gunn previously said the earlier home debut was tied to aligning with Peacemaker Season 2, which premiered on Aug. 21, but Netflix's comments suggest box office results may also have played a role, making the decision potentially two-fold.

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