Before eitherSupermanor theHarry Potter HBOseries are released, there is a DC movie that’s the best of both worlds and is currently making waves on HBO Max.Superman: Red Son, starringJason Isaacs, is a DC animated feature that has currently found a place on HBO Max’s Top 10 charts. Initially released in 2020, this superhero story tells an alternative take on the Man of Steel.
According toFlixPatrol,Superman: Red Sonis ranked number 10 on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies listfor June 2025, just belowA Nightmare on Elm Street. The animated feature received strong reviews from critics, earning an 89% average score and strong audience reception, with a 65% rating onRotten Tomatoes. Based on the 2003 comic book miniseries byMark Millar,the film was first released digitally in February 2020, followed by a physical release a few months later.
Superman: Red Sonstars Isaacs as Superman,who in this universe was raised in the Soviet Union and plans to use his powers to advance Soviet ideals across the world. There is no Justice League in this feature, and Superman is at odds with other meta-humans andgets into a brawl with Batman (Roger Craig Smith).
Henry Cavill Almost Starred in a Live-Action ‘Superman: Red Son’ Movie
ScreenRantreported thatX-Men: First ClassdirectorMatthew Vaughnwas interested in making a live-action adaptation ofSuperman: Red SonfeaturingHenry Cavillas the Soviet superhero. In an interview, he stated that the 2003 story was “one of the cleverest comics” he’s ever read, and has eyes on Cavill leading in this alternate take of the DC franchise. Meanwhile,Kong: Skull IslanddirectorJordan Vogt-Robertshas also shown interest in making aSuperman: Red Sonmovie.He reportedly pitched it to Warner Bros., only for it to not come to fruition.
While a live-action adaptation ofSuperman: Red Sonisn’t in the cards for DC at the moment,James Gunnrevealed that his takeover of the DC media franchisewould include a DC Elseworlds strategy, making room for other DC projects likeThe BatmanandJokerto coexist alongside the central DC shared universe. A handful of other Superman projects and appearances fall into this category, such asMy Adventures With SupermanandHarley QuinnSeason 5. If Gunn’s upcomingSupermanmovie, featuringDavid Corenswet, is a success, he would be open to exploring more of the Kryptonian’s story in other avenues.
Superman: Red Sonis available to stream on HBO Max. Follow Collider to keep up to date with the latest updates.
Superman: Red Son
Source:FlixPatrol
