Superman Movies Box Office: James Gunn’s Superman Reboots DC With $120M Opening

James Gunn’s Superman is flying high at the box office, proving that the superhero genre is far from over. With a domestic debut between $115 million and $120 million, the film has energized Warner Bros.’ DC Studios and captivated audiences worldwide. The early numbers signal not just a win for Gunn, but a major turning point for DC’s cinematic future.

Superman Movies Box Office: A Monumental Opening Weekend

In a powerful debut, Superman clinched the top spot at the domestic box office with $56.5 million on Friday alone, including a strong $22.5 million from Thursday previews. This brings the film’s estimated domestic opening weekend total to a whopping $115M–$120M, putting it on track to surpass 2013’s *Man of Steel* ($116.7M) as the biggest solo Superman launch.
This record-breaking performance is a huge win for DC, which has struggled in recent years to compete with Marvel’s cinematic dominance. The movie is the first DC title since Wonder Woman in 2017 to open above the $100 million mark domestically.

Global Performance: Superman Soars Worldwide

The film launched internationally in 78 markets, earning over $100 million overseas for a global total of $96.5 million by Friday. The strong global response highlights Gunn’s success in crafting a Superman that resonates across cultures and age groups.
The diversity of the audience is notable. Exit polls show 68% of moviegoers were male, with nearly two-thirds aged between 18 and 34. However, wider appeal is expected as word-of-mouth spreads among older and more diverse demographics.

James Gunn’s Creative Control: A Unified Vision

Gunn’s role as both the writer-director and co-head of DC Studios gives him a rare level of creative control. This centralized vision may be exactly what DC has needed. Known for the *Guardians of the Galaxy* franchise, Gunn is now building a new universe from the ground up with Superman at its core.
The success of this film sets a hopeful precedent for upcoming titles like the Supergirl movie (2026) and the HBO Max series Lanterns.

Comparison with Past Superman Films

To understand the significance of this moment, it’s worth reviewing the history of Superman at the box office:
Man of Steel (2013): $116.7M opening

Superman Returns (2006): $84M six-day total

Batman v Superman (2016): $166.6M opening (non-solo)

Gunn’s Superman is the first solo film to beat the performance of Man of Steel, setting a new benchmark for the character’s legacy.

Critical and Audience Response

The movie has received enthusiastic reviews from both critics and fans: – **CinemaScore**: A- – **Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 94% – **Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score**: 82%
These ratings indicate the film is connecting with viewers on multiple levels, combining nostalgic charm with modern storytelling.

Box Office Competition

Despite facing competition from: – *Jurassic World Rebirth* ($230.9M domestic total) – *F1: The Movie* ($358.3M global total)
…Superman has stood out. It’s also the first superhero movie to cross $100 million domestically since Deadpool & Wolverine ($211M in 2024).

Cast and Character Highlights

The cast features: – David Corenswet as Superman – Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor – Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane – Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific – Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
Edi Gathegi’s role especially stands out, as it redeems a prior underwhelming performance in the X-Men franchise.

What Lies Ahead for DC Studios?

With *Superman* laying a solid foundation, fans can expect a more coherent and ambitious rollout from DC. Projects like *Supergirl* and *Lanterns* suggest the studio is aiming for a connected universe with grounded, emotionally resonant stories.

The success of James Gunn’s Superman isn’t just about numbers. It’s a symbol of DC’s rebirth, signaling that with the right vision, the superhero genre still has room to inspire and dominate.

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You Must Know:
How much did Superman earn in its opening weekend?
$115M–$120M domestically, making it the largest solo Superman launch to date.

Who stars in the new Superman movie?
David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, and Edi Gathegi headline the cast.

What are critics saying about Superman?
A- CinemaScore, 94% audience score, and 82% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

How does it compare to other superhero films in 2025?
It ranks among the top three films of the year, behind Minecraft and Lilo & Stitch.

What’s next for the DC Universe?
Upcoming releases include a Supergirl movie in 2026 and the Lanterns series on HBO.