The Guide to Superman Theater Exclusives And Popcorn Buckets
Popcorn buckets and other theater exclusives have really exploded in popularity in the last couple of years. When it comes to DC Studios’ Superman, there’s so many that it can make your head spin. Theaters both large, small, and aboard are all gearing up for the July 11 release with exclusive Man of Steel popcorn bucket, cups, and more goodies. Here is a guide and look at all the Superman theater exclusives.
Starting with my personal favorite and most wanted – AMC Theatres with their unique popcorn bucket and cup with three different toppers. The popcorn bucket pays homage to the irreplaceable journalism aspect of Superman stories that keep them relevant when it comes to the theme of truth. This Daily Planet newspaper dispenser bucket opens and serves popcorn just like a regular one would. It also looks to include a featured story about Superdog. It’s so great that Metropolis is returning to movie screens with its iconic art deco design –this bucket reflects that.
AMC’s large-sized cup is dressed as Superman with the cape and all –a past style of superhero drinkware that is making a comeback. However, it’s never been done with the DC Studios’ Superman suit. The three collectable toppers include Superman, Krypto, and the emblem inspired by Kingdom Come that now marks the beginning of a new cinematic universe. The emblem topper also looks to be a keychain, so it’s two goodies in one!
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema takes the traditional approach to a popcorn bucket by quite literally making it a bucket with a sealable lid. Like AMC’s cup, the bucket is dressed like Superman in the film with all the little details of the suit. The red lid does have some patterns like a typeface and the emblem printed on it. A lid is an underrated feature of popcorn bucket with most moviegoers throwing their unfinished popcorn out after the movie. The popcorn can actually be saved with this bucket.
Regal has a ton of exclusives that also feature Krypto in addition to Superman and they think outside the box when it comes to their popcorn bucket. Literally, a figure of Superman is heat visioning his way through a popcorn machine as the bucket. Makes you wonder where the opening will be –on the top or the side. Regardless, this is one of the most unique theater exclusives to be available –think of filling it up with treats other than popcorn like candy. For those in the UK Vue Cinemas are also offering this too.
It looks like Regal took some inspiration from Funko for their Krypto the Superdog bucket. This looks like a nice compromise for people who don’t prefer popcorn buckets the size of drums. The little stylized Krypto hanging on the rim of the bucket is adorable and the light blue makes it pop in comparison to the other buckets and cups. For those in the UK Vue Cinemas are also offering this too.
Regal also has a “Last Son of Krypton” popcorn bucket and cups with toppers. These take on the artic blue tones of the Fortress of Solitude. In juxtaposition to the brighter red and yellow emblem. The large-sized bucket design is indeed like the entrance to the Fortress. This design is enhanced with Krypto and Superman on two of the cups in the set. Regal is known for their toppers of movie characters in theater chairs –both Superman and Lex Luthor are available.
Lastly from Regal, they have plushes! There’s a Superman emblem throw pillow shaped in the diamond-like crest and a Krypto plush.
Cinemark has even more exclusives than Regal with both their popcorn buckets focused on Superdog. Compared to Regal’s, Cinemark’s Krypto bucket takes a more realistic approach in terms of his design. Here, he’s a full figure joined to the bucket by a base, so it looks like he’s holding the bucket up. This would be Cinemark’s large popcorn bucket.
Dogman made dog bowl-inspired popcorn buckets popular, and it looks like Superman is following in its footsteps. Again, these buckets are great for moviegoers that prefer a smaller popcorn size. The looks do not deceive either –these popcorn buckets also make great pet bowls. Cinemark’s best cup uses the blue crystals of the Fortress as design elements. The crystals seem to have a regular clear, plastic cup locked in it like a key. It goes to show that you don’t need the bold colors of Superman to make a cool cup.
Other popcorn buckets are available at Cinemark using Superman and Krypto from the film as well as drawn by an artist. The illustrated popcorn buckets and cups being used in the place of the regular ones at select locations look to be Dan Mora and Jorge Jimenez-inspired. Fitting, because they are the best modern Superman artists. You have other great design elements like the Metropolis/Daily Planet skyline and even historic Superman comic covers.
Outside the United States, other regions have their own theater exclusives. Odeon Cinemas in the United Kingdom announced a popcorn bucket and cup combo. They blow AMC’s cup out of the water. Not only is it dressed like Superman, but it’s also built like Superman. Literally, it’s his torso complete with suit and cape. The popcorn bucket is more of a popcorn emblem. It’s not cylindrical or box-shaped, it’s the Superman emblem from the movie. It doesn’t seem to be full colored like the cup is, but it’s nonetheless a unique idea that theaters need more of.
Latin American Theaters also have their own exclusive buckets and cups. One set uses the movie’s theatrical poster while the special cups feature Krypto, Superman, and Superman at the Fortress. The cups’ tops are able to fit different toppers too.
DC Studios’ Superman hits theaters less than a month on July 11 with all these exclusives being available at the respective theaters.
