James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Inches Closer to $600M Globally But Still Trails ‘Man of Steel’ in Worldwide Box Office

In the relentless heat of the 2025 summer blockbuster season, two cinematic titans—James Gunn’s Superman and Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps—have emerged as the headliners. But amid fan rivalries and franchise face-offs, one question dominates the box office conversation: Can Superman (2025) soar past Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel?

With its seventh weekend now behind it, Superman continues its global climb. As of this weekend, the film has reached $594.5 million globally, inching ever closer to the $600 million milestone. Yet, it remains well behind the 2013 Man of Steel, which concluded its theatrical run with $670.1 million worldwide.

How is Superman (2025) performing at the box office compared to past DC films?

Despite not reaching the overall global tally of its predecessor, Superman (2025) has already claimed a major domestic victory, surpassing Man of Steel’s U.S. performance. Gunn’s reboot has earned $331 million domestically, beating Man of Steel’s $291 million—figures not adjusted for inflation. That makes it the highest-grossing domestic DC title in the past three years, highlighting a successful start for the newly restructured DC Universe (DCU).

The film added $8.4 million this past weekend, but its momentum appears to be slowing. With a sluggish climb toward the $600 million mark, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that it will surpass Man of Steel’s total global earnings. However, the film’s strong domestic performance offers a clear signal that audience engagement in North America remains robust.

Why Superman’s Success Still Matters for DC’s Future

James Gunn’s Superman is more than a standalone film—it serves as the launchpad for Chapter One of the rebooted DCU. Featuring a cast that includes David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, the film lays foundational groundwork for upcoming character arcs and standalone features.

One of those projects is the highly anticipated Supergirl solo film, directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella, I, Tonya), set to release in 2026. With this level of universe-building, every milestone—box office or otherwise—affects how DC Studios moves forward creatively and financially.

Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Struggles After Initial Spark

On the Marvel front, Fantastic Four: First Steps began with a powerful global opening but has since suffered a sharp decline, now standing at $468.7 million globally after four weekends. Of that total, $247 million comes from the domestic market. Though it introduced a bold, retro-futuristic universe known as Earth-828, audience retention has lagged in recent weeks.

Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), this iteration skips traditional origin storytelling, casting Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the iconic roles. Yet even with this star-studded lineup, its current trajectory suggests that Superman is winning this particular summer standoff—at least at the domestic box office.

What’s Next for DC Studios?

DC’s future hinges not just on box office revenue but on the successful re-establishment of fan trust and long-term narrative consistency. Superman was a high-stakes gamble for Gunn and DC Studios, and despite some limitations in overseas revenue, the film’s domestic success gives the franchise a strong foundation to build on.

Upcoming releases—including Supergirl and several untitled ensemble projects—will need to ride this momentum while addressing fan expectations rooted in the legacy of both Snyder and Gunn’s storytelling approaches. As the newly minted DCU evolves, all eyes will be on how it balances nostalgia with a modern cinematic vision.

Superman may not break the global box office record of Man of Steel, but it has already made history by reigniting the domestic market—and reshaping the future of DC storytelling.

For your information:

Is Superman (2025) a box office hit?
Yes, it is considered a domestic success with $331 million earned in North America, although it’s trailing globally behind Man of Steel.

Will Superman surpass $600 million at the global box office?
It is expected to cross $600 million globally soon, but further growth beyond that appears slow, making it unlikely to surpass Man of Steel’s $670.1 million.

How does Superman (2025) compare to Marvel’s Fantastic Four?
Superman has performed better domestically than Fantastic Four: First Steps, which experienced a sharp drop-off after its strong opening.

Who plays Superman in the new 2025 reboot?
David Corenswet takes on the iconic role of Clark Kent/Superman in James Gunn’s reboot of the DC Universe.

Is the new Superman movie part of a larger cinematic universe?
Yes, it serves as the foundation for the rebooted DC Universe, setting up future titles including a solo Supergirl movie.

What’s next in the DC film slate after Superman?
The next major release is Supergirl, scheduled for 2026 and directed by Craig Gillespie.