Before James Gunn became the architect of DC's new cinematic universe, he took a very different swing at the superhero mythos. In 2019, he produced Brightburn, a gritty sci-fi thriller that reimagines Superman as a nightmare. Now, the film is about to vanish from Peacock, so if you haven't seen it, you've only got a short window to catch this twisted take.
Directed by David Yarovesky, Brightburn flips the classic origin story on its head. Instead of a beacon of hope, we get a young alien boy named Brandon (Jackson A. Dunn) who lands on Earth and is adopted by a loving couple, played by Elizabeth Banks and David Denman. But as he grows, his powers emerge—and so does a sinister side. It's a chilling blend of superhero lore and horror, often compared to Stephen King's Carrie for its themes of alienation and violent outbursts.
The film was a true family affair for Gunn. The script was penned by his brother Brian Gunn and cousin Mark Gunn, while his wife Jennifer Holland took on a supporting role. Frequent collaborators Michael Rooker and Steve Agee also appear, adding to the Gunn-iverse feel. It's a fascinating piece of his filmography, sitting between Zack Snyder's brooding Man of Steel and Gunn's own colorful Superman reboot.
Critically, Brightburn earned a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising its bold concept but noting it doesn't fully deliver on its pitch-black promise. Commercially, it grossed around $33 million worldwide against a modest $6 million budget—a modest return compared to similar films like Chronicle, which made over $125 million globally. Still, it's a cult favorite among fans of dark superhero stories.
Since then, Gunn has soared to new heights. After a brief firing and rehiring by Disney, he directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and then took the reins at DC Studios. His upcoming slate includes Clayface, a horror film set to continue the new DC universe, and a Superman sequel titled Man of Tomorrow. For those who want to see where his darker instincts led, Brightburn is a must-watch.
If you're a fan of quietly intense thrillers or psychological thrillers with unforgettable openings, this one fits the bill. And if you're looking for more streaming recommendations, check out our list of Netflix thrillers that never miss.
Don't wait—Brightburn leaves Peacock on November 1. Stream it before it's gone, and see the dark side of the superhero genre that Gunn dared to explore.
