James Gunn’s Superman has crossed the $400 million mark at the global box office in just 10 days, marking a strong start for DC Studios’ new era. The film earned $235 million domestically and $171.8 million internationally, proving its appeal despite mixed overseas performance. Warner Bros. celebrates this as a major win, especially after recent struggles in the superhero genre.
Strong Domestic Performance and Word of Mouth
The movie opened with $122 million in its first weekend and dropped only 54% in its second, earning $57.2 million. This steady hold suggests positive word of mouth, with audiences giving it an A- CinemaScore. Domestic numbers are comparable to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Batman, showing strong fan support.
James Gunn told Rolling Stone: “We’re definitely performing better domestically than we are internationally, but internationally is also rising and having really good weekday numbers. The word of mouth is very positive both here and everywhere else.”
The film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Early reactions praised the fresh take on the iconic hero, with Gunn focusing on kindness as Superman’s core trait.
International Challenges and Competition
While domestic numbers are strong, international earnings are softer. Key markets like the UK ($22.2M), Mexico ($16.6M), and Brazil ($11.2M) performed well, but China ($8.5M) rejected the film. Some analysts blame anti-American sentiment affecting its overseas appeal.
Jeff Bock, box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations, said: “For Superman to be one of the biggest summer blockbusters—not to mention reset an entire universe—the film needed to pack more punch in its debut. The international numbers are disappointing.”
The film faces competition from Jurassic World Rebirth ($648M global) and F1: The Movie ($460.8M). Next week, Fantastic Four: First Steps will challenge its dominance in premium screens.
How Superman Compares to Other Superhero Films
- Man of Steel (2013): $670M globally (adjusted for inflation, around $800M today)
- The Batman (2022): $772M
- Batman Begins (2005): $375M (adjusted to ~$585M today)
- Iron Man (2008): $585M
Superman has already surpassed recent underperformers like Captain America: Brave New World ($415M) and Thunderbolts ($383M). Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav called the film’s performance “soaring” and confirmed plans for Supergirl (2026) and Clayface (2026) as part of DC’s new 10-year plan.
Budget and Future Prospects
The film cost $225 million to produce, with an additional $125 million in marketing. Break-even is estimated at $400 million, meaning it has already covered costs. Analysts predict a final global total between $650-$700 million.
Dan Ives, Wall Street analyst at Wedbush Securities, said: “The international is mixed, but overall an A- weekend for Superman. This is a huge boost for the franchise given some worries coming in.”
With Supergirl and Wonder Woman films in development, DC Studios aims to rebuild its cinematic universe. Meanwhile, Marvel’s Fantastic Four opens next week, setting up a superhero showdown at the box office.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Some fans praised the film’s hopeful tone, while others debated political interpretations. A Twitch streamer with a large following sparked discussion by linking the film’s villain to real-world conflicts.
Hasan Piker on Twitch: “This is two hours and like 10 minutes of f*** Israel the entire time.”
*Another fan on X*: “Finally, a Superman movie that feels like classic DC—optimistic and heroic.”
Despite controversies, the film’s strong domestic hold suggests long-term success. Warner Bros. hopes it will stay in theaters through August, building momentum for future DC projects.
Final Box Office Numbers (As of July 21, 2025)
- Domestic Total: $235M
- International Total: $171.8M
- Global Total: $406.8M
- Top Markets: UK, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, China
- IMAX Contribution: $51.4M globally
Warner Bros. now leads 2025’s domestic studio market share with $1.32 billion, surpassing Disney. The summer box office remains competitive, with Jurassic World Rebirth, F1, and Lilo & Stitch ($1.008B) also performing well.
Also read: James Gunn Shares How Henry Cavill Took the News of Being Replaced as Superman
Credits: Data sourced from Warner Bros., Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Comscore.
