Warner Bros. has thrilled fans with the announcement that James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, the first cinematic entry in the newly rebooted DC Universe (DCU), will premiere two days earlier than its U.S. release in select international markets. Specifically, audiences in the Philippines and Italy will get to experience the Man of Steel’s return on July 9, 2025, ahead of the global release date of July 11, 2025. This strategic early rollout has sparked excitement among fans and underscores Warner Bros.’ confidence in the film’s global appeal.
Directed and written by James Gunn, Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The film promises a fresh take on the iconic superhero, focusing on Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. Described as a blend of epic action, humor, and heart, Gunn’s vision emphasizes Superman’s compassion and belief in human kindness—a message that resonates deeply in today’s world. The cast also includes Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, setting the stage for a broader DCU narrative.
Warner Bros. confirmed the early release in the Philippines through multiple sources, with posts on X highlighting the July 9 premiere date, giving Filipino fans a two-day lead over the U.S. debut. Similarly, Italy has been confirmed as another early-release market, with the film also slated to hit theaters on July 9, as noted in posts on X. This decision aligns with Warner Bros.’ international release strategy, which includes other countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Germany on July 10, ensuring a staggered global rollout to maximize buzz and box office performance [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 7] [Post ID: 0] [Post ID: 2].
The early release in these markets comes despite a legal challenge from the estate of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster, which filed a lawsuit in January 2025 against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The estate claims that the rights to distribute the film in certain territories, including the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and Canada, have reverted to them due to international copyright laws. However, Warner Bros. has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, expressing confidence in a favorable outcome, and has proceeded with its global release plans, including the early screenings in the Philippines and Italy.
The decision to premiere Superman early in these regions reflects Warner Bros.’ strategic approach to building global momentum for the film. The Philippines, known for its passionate superhero fanbase, and Italy, a key European market, are poised to generate significant word-of-mouth buzz ahead of the U.S. release. Posts on X from fans in the Philippines have already expressed excitement, with users sharing the new trailer and counting down to the July 9 release. In Italy, the early release has been met with similar enthusiasm, with fans eager to see Gunn’s take on the iconic character.
The film’s marketing campaign has already gained traction, with a teaser trailer released on December 19, 2024, amassing over 250 million global views in its first 24 hours—the most-viewed trailer for a DC or Warner Bros. film in that timeframe. The trailer, featuring a unique riff on John Williams’ iconic Superman theme and glimpses of Superman’s loyal dog Krypto, has heightened anticipation for the movie’s release. Additionally, extended footage shown at CinemaCon 2025 highlighted the film’s blend of humor and heart, including a scene where Krypto excitedly drags Superman into the Fortress of Solitude, much to the delight of audiences.
As the first film in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Superman carries significant expectations. Industry experts have noted the pressure on Warner Bros. to deliver a hit, with some suggesting that the studio’s future could hinge on the film’s success. Despite these stakes, Gunn’s track record with films like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad has instilled confidence in fans and analysts alike. The early release in the Philippines and Italy is a bold move to capitalize on international markets and set the tone for a potential box office triumph.
With its early premiere in the Philippines and Italy on July 9, 2025, Superman is poised to make a global impact, offering fans in these regions the first chance to witness James Gunn’s heartfelt reimagining of the world’s most iconic superhero. As the countdown to release continues, the world watches to see if this new Superman will indeed soar to new heights.
