James Gunn’s Superman has officially landed—and it’s flying high. The rebooted take on the Man of Steel, starring David Corenswet, opened to a powerful domestic debut, securing the top spot at the box office and breathing new life into DC Studios. With a global haul that places it among the year’s biggest releases, the film’s performance signals a promising start for Gunn’s new cinematic universe.
Domestically, Superman earned over one hundred million in ticket sales, making it the biggest solo Superman launch to date and the third-largest opening of the year behind A Minecraft Movie and Lilo & Stitch. Internationally, the film brought in a strong but slightly softer total, with some analysts pointing to Superman’s distinctly American identity as a factor in overseas reception. Still, the combined global total places the film comfortably in blockbuster territory.
Critics and audiences alike have embraced the film’s hopeful tone and character-driven storytelling. With an A- CinemaScore and a high audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Superman has managed to sidestep the superhero fatigue that’s plagued recent releases. Gunn’s decision to focus on Clark Kent’s humanity rather than just his powers appears to have resonated, offering a refreshing contrast to darker interpretations of the character.
The film’s success is a major win for DC Studios, which has struggled in recent years with underperforming titles. As the first theatrical release under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, Superman sets the tone for a new era of interconnected storytelling. Upcoming projects like Supergirl, Clayface, and the HBO Max series Lanterns are already in motion, forming the foundation of DC’s ten-year plan.
While Superman didn’t surpass the franchise’s all-time opening record held by Batman v Superman, it did outperform Man of Steel and other recent DC entries. The film’s strong word-of-mouth and diverse audience turnout suggest it could have staying power throughout the summer, especially as fans look ahead to the next chapter in Gunn’s vision.
With its blend of optimism, action, and emotional depth, Superman has proven that the Last Son of Krypton still has plenty of box office muscle. And if this weekend is any indication, DC’s future might be brighter than ever.
