Instagram/@iamedigathegi
The Man of Steel has now, for the very first time, made a landing on digital platforms—with the caveat that the access is not given to all. Warner Bros. had exclaimed with excitement that finally Superman is out there for digital purchase, allowing fans to relive the super-powered action in the cozy corners of their homes. Debates started breaking out in international quarters with the realization that the U.S. was the only country that had been graced with that release.
Advertisement
This was heralded on the official Superman account on Instagram with the announcement, “The wait is finally over. #Superman is now available to own on Digital.” That comment section quickly became sour and posed a ton of questions concerning why there was no release in the U.K.: “So where’s the UK release??” commented one user, while another was rather direct: “In the US only. Let’s start telling consumers the truth, yes?” To most viewers expecting a worldwide launch, it would appear as an empty gesture, hence the number of comments tagging the director, James Gunn, for an explanation.
What about Brazil? That one missed out too. “When will it be available in Brazil?” asked one follower, followed by another from India: “When is it releasing in India? 😢😢” These regional delays will do nothing to appease the ardent fans-they have even gone ahead to cancel pre-orders because payments were not being processed until the declared release date of their country. “I’ll maybe get it in a couple of weeks,” he said in distress.
There were moments of joy in the midst of the chaos. A Nigerian reviewer actually took it upon himself to review the movie in hilarious Pidgin: “Omo this film no be ham atol. Be like I dey watch cartoon again. The fight make sense sha ❤️.” Others were more put upon by those fun little moments of Krypto the Super-Dog: “Terrific’s eyes when he rides Krypto flying make me laugh all day.”
Warner Bros. hasn’t since come forth with a clarion announcement regarding the expected timetables for the international digital release, leaving the fandom to groan in speculation. Meanwhile, those who collect physical versions have already been planning—the request for “more 4K steelbooks,” while another proudly marked another secured pre-order.
This is an instance, yet again, of a headache through Hollywood’s digital era: staggered rollouts at the cost of certain markets. For now, all non-U.S. fans can hope for is more waiting or maybe screaming disappointment on the internet. One commenter summarized it rather colorfully: “All of the promotion made it seem as though it would be available everywhere.”
Whether it’s Kryptonite or regional licensing deals, something’s definitely keeping Superman from being of assistance across the globe. Additionally, new Superman actor David Corenswet has been heavily discussed among the fans as well.
Advertisement
Lastly, Sara Sampaio’s behind-the-scenes moments from filming in Svalbard have captured the interest of many.