Superman exact release time on HBO Max (by each time zone)

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Superman... finally making its way onto HBO Max!

The long-awaited DC Universe movie proved to be one of the biggest success stories of the year, earning rave views from fans of both the character and the DC brand, as well as a strong box office performance to kick off the franchise's streak at the movies on a high. It's the first feature film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's newly-formed DC Studios franchise and it goes without saying that the film, which Gunn himself directed, exceeded expectations.

The film had an unexpectedly early digital release that was engineered to ensure fans who didn't see it in the theaters were caught up for HBO Max series Peacemaker, which returned for its second season (and takes place after the events of Superman). But there was intrigue as to when it might premiere on the HBO Max streaming service itself. Now, that day has finally come.

If you're planning on watching Superman on the streamer when it comes out, here's what you need to know... and when you can expect it.

When Superman comes out on HBO Max where you live

Superman is released on HBO Max in the US on September 19, with the film arriving at 12:00 a.m. PT, 3:00 a.m. ET, 2:00 a.m. CT, and 1:00 a.m. MT. Although the platform's shows have been releasing in primetime, that isn't the case with movies, which generally release at the beginning of the day in the Pacific Time Zone. However, the streaming service is also available outside of the US in specific areas, so the Superman release isn't just localized to the movie's domestic audience.

With that in mind, the movie will be released at the same time around the world in all areas with HBO Max. The streaming service will no doubt be making a big event of the film's release, so if you'd like to check it out in your region, here's what you need to know and when you can expect it in your time zone.

• Hawaii: 9:00 p.m. HST on Wednesday, September 18
• Alaska: 11:00 p.m. AKDT on Wednesday, September 18
• West Coast of the US: 12:00 a.m. PT on Thursday, September 19
• Mountain time: 1:00 a.m. MT on Thursday, September 19
• Midwest of the US: 2:00 a.m. CT on Thursday, September 19
• East Coast of the US: 3:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, September 19
• Canada (Crave): 3:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, September 19
• Brazil: 4:00 a.m. BRT on Thursday, September 19
• Portugal and Western Europe: 8:00 a.m. WEST on Thursday, September 19
• Spain and Central Europe: 9:00 a.m. CEST on Thursday, September 19
• Bulgaria and Eastern Europe: 10:00 a.m. EEST on Thursday, September 19

What Superman is about and how it fits into the new DC Universe

Superman is a modern retelling of the classic Man of Steel story. Kal-El of Krypton (David Corenswet) has been Earth's savior for three years now, operating as Clark Kent of the Daily Planet in his personal life to keep an ear to the ground and stay aware of any threats that might be coming the way of both Metropolis and the world in general. This is a conflict that Superman himself particularly faces in this movie as he finds himself having to defend decisions that he made to get involved in other wars given his primary residence in the US. It's a timely tale but one that shows us all what it means to be a true hero.

Every hero needs a villain and Superman has his in the infamous Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). His longtime archenemy in the DC Comics and in previous movie and TV adaptations, Lex is looking to convince the world that Superman is a threat. The irony is that this is a man known for spreading lies and fake narratives in order to get what he wants, and that makes him the real threat.

The good news is that Superman has allies who fully support him against the forces of evil, with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) being the biggest one of them all. His partner in life (and reporting and crime-fighting), Lois is a formidable voice for good who will have no time for Lex, or his lies.

Superman is a part of the DC Universe franchise and, even though it's the first live-action movie in the saga, it's not the first title. Gunn kicked things off with animated series Creature Commandos that aired on HBO Max last year, with Superman officially acting as the second title in the franchise. Peacemaker season 2 furthers the overarching story of the DCU after the events of the 2025 film. We also have Supergirl and Clayface to look forward to next year, as well as a Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, in 2027.

If you haven't already, prepare to start your DC Universe journey now as Superman arrives on HBO Max!