The new DC Studios cinematic universe is experiencing a moment of contrasts. While Supergirl became a box office stumble for Warner Bros., the series Lanterns has ended up alleviating some of that pressure with audience figures that exceed all initial forecasts. The project's own showrunner, Chris Mundy, has publicly acknowledged how that context affected the expectations placed on the production.
The situation is relevant now because Lanterns has just closed one of the most-watched first seasons on the HBO Max platform, just at a time when DC Studios needed to regain public confidence after several uneven theatrical releases.
Supergirl increased the pressure on Lanterns
The DC universe relaunch plan seemed to be moving forward solidly after the release of Superman, which received good reviews and solid box office results for Warner Bros. However, the subsequent performance of Supergirl changed the landscape: both critics and audiences received the film coldly, and its theatrical run became another economic setback for the company.
That context meant that Lanterns, the series starring Hal Jordan within this new stage of the DCU, ended up carrying more expectations than it likely had when its production began.
Chris Mundy acknowledges the pressure from the offices
In an interview with SFX Magazine, Chris Mundy was asked directly if the failure of Supergirl had increased the pressure on Lanterns. The showrunner avoided appearing as if his work had changed for that reason, although he did admit that the concern was greater outside the creative team, at the executive levels of the company.
As he explained, his priority was always to deliver the series that he and his team wanted to tell, without the result of other DCU releases modifying that goal. Mundy noted that the question about added pressure was more appropriate for DC executives, although he acknowledged that, from a business perspective, it is understandable that within Warner Bros. there were even more reasons to want Lanterns to work, regardless of what happened with Supergirl.
The showrunner was clear in separating two issues: it was not that the series had been modified by the film's failure, but that the commercial context made its success even more valuable for Warner Bros.' strategy for the coming years.
An audience response that exceeded expectations
That pressure ended up working in DC Studios' favor. Lanterns not only garnered good reviews, but it also achieved one of the strongest starts for this new stage of the company on streaming.
According to data published by Variety, the series gathered 9.3 million viewers during its first three days available on HBO Max. By the third episode, the global audience had already reached 10 million viewers.
Growth continued throughout the season. By episode 7, the overall figure had risen to 19 million viewers per chapter, a progression that makes Lanterns the biggest debut recorded so far by a DC Studios series.
With that audience backing, the production is in a very different position than it was before its premiere, when the failure of Supergirl still weighed on the immediate future of the DCU.
DC Studios stays the course despite the theatrical stumble
The poor result of Supergirl does not seem to have radically altered Warner Bros.' long-term plans. As reported by The Wrap, David Zaslav previously stated that the company had no intention of modifying its strategy for 2027 and the following years.
There are also rumors, which should be taken with caution, about Paramount's intention to keep James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm of DC Studios after the merger with the company.
The next theatrical test will arrive with Clayface, scheduled for October 23, 2026. The film bets on body horror, a tone very different from other productions in the universe, and has an estimated budget of 40 million dollars, a figure considerably lower than that handled by Supergirl, whose gross barely exceeded 125 million dollars worldwide.
Clayface will also offer the first relevant look at Gotham City within this continuity, which will spark additional interest linked to Batman. Next will come Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for July 9, 2027.
If Lanterns manages to close its first season strongly and the upcoming releases maintain the momentum, the Supergirl stumble could remain an isolated episode within a stage that is still demonstrating its ability to sustain the new DC universe.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the failure of Supergirl affect Lanterns?
As explained by showrunner Chris Mundy, the poor commercial and critical result of Supergirl increased the business pressure within Warner Bros. for Lanterns to succeed, although it did not change the way the series was produced.
How many viewers did Lanterns achieve on HBO Max?
The series reached 9.3 million viewers in its first three days and reached 10 million by the third episode. By episode 7, the global audience rose to 19 million viewers, according to Variety data.
How much did Supergirl gross at the box office?
Supergirl barely exceeded 125 million dollars in worldwide gross, a figure considered disappointing for a DCU production.
What is the next DC Studios theatrical release?
The next release will be Clayface, scheduled for October 23, 2026, with an estimated budget of 40 million dollars and a premise focused on body horror.
Will Warner Bros. change its strategy after the failure of Supergirl?
According to previous statements by David Zaslav reported by The Wrap, the company does not plan to modify its long-term strategy for 2027 and the following years.
Which DCU film will arrive after Clayface?
The next major release scheduled is Man of Tomorrow, which is set to launch on July 9, 2027.
