James Gunn’s Superhero Horror Movie Streams for Free Next Month

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A superhero horror film created by one of the co-CEOs of DC Studios in 2019 didn’t gain much attention at the time. Now, seven years after its theatrical release, it’s becoming available again on a free streaming service.

I’m really excited that Brightburn is coming to Tubi! It’s a movie James Gunn produced with Kenneth Huang, and his family was heavily involved in the writing – his brother Brian and cousin Mark actually co-wrote the script. When it came out in 2019, it did surprisingly well, earning over $33 million on a budget of just $6 million. Tubi announced it’s adding it to their library on June 1st, and I can’t wait to rewatch it!

Brightburn Asks: What if Superman Was Actually Evil?

Like the characters Homelander from The Boys and Omni-Man from Invincible, the movie Brightburn explores a dark “what if” scenario: what if Superman was truly terrifying? The story centers on Tori (Elizabeth Banks) and Kyle Breyer (David Denman), a couple who find and adopt a young boy named Brandon (Jackson A. Dunn) after a mysterious crash near their Kansas farm. Initially, Brandon seems like a normal, if somewhat shy, child. But as he grows, he begins to develop incredible powers – like flying and super strength – just like Superman.

Instead of using his powers for good, Brandon is becoming increasingly violent and frightening, which is difficult for his mother, Tori, to accept. Eventually, it becomes clear that he’s a dangerous threat. Brightburn feels more like a horror movie than a typical superhero story, setting it apart from other projects James Gunn has worked on.

Familiar Faces Are Featured in Brightburn

The movie features familiar faces from James Gunn’s previous work. Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee, who starred in Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad, both appear, as does Rainn Wilson in a cameo as his Super character, the Crimson Bolt. Michael Rooker, a frequent collaborator with Gunn, also has a role.

While Brightburn didn’t achieve the same blockbuster success as James Gunn’s other superhero films, it gained a dedicated fanbase. This led to speculation about a sequel, which Gunn initially suggested was possible. However, he’s now indicated that Brightburn 2 is unlikely because the ownership rights to the film have become more complex.

We discussed a sequel early in the process, but the ownership rights are complicated – I only own 50% – so it’s difficult to move forward,” Gunn explained on Threads in 2024 when a fan inquired about a possible continuation.

Brightburn starts streaming for free on Tubi on June 1, 2026.

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2026-05-29 02:11