James Gunn’s latest Superman film has made a spectacular debut, earning over $217 million worldwide during its opening weekend. Released on July 11, the movie quickly became one of the highest-grossing global openings for a DC title, almost recouping its $225 million production budget in just a few days. This strong performance highlights the fresh approach Gunn has taken to the superhero genre.
Strong North American and International Earnings Highlight Success
The movie earned $122 million domestically in North America and $95 million from international markets, totaling a $217 million global opening. These figures place it third for the year’s largest opening weekends, surpassed only by Lilo & Stitch and A Minecraft Movie. This impressive start surpasses the previous Superman film Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill, both in North America and worldwide.
David Corenswet’s Portrayal Gains Mixed Opinions Amid Box Office Triumph
David Corenswet steps into the iconic role of Superman, and while reactions to his performance vary, the film’s commercial results speak for themselves. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie’s collection spans 78 international markets, outperforming recent DC hits like Aquaman 2 and Black Adam. It has also achieved the third-largest global opening among solo DC superhero films in recent years.
Critical and Audience Reception Fuels Optimism for DC Universe’s Future
Critically, Superman has been well received, holding an 83% approval rating from critics and 93% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. This positive reception, combined with the strong box office returns, indicates a promising start for the DC Universe’s new chapter under James Gunn’s direction. The film’s fresh take also explores why Clark Kent and Kal-El’s identities remain indistinguishable to others, adding depth to the story.
The Film’s Impact and What to Expect Next
With such a powerful opening weekend, Superman is set to make a significant mark at the box office and potentially reshape the future of DC films. Recovering most of its budget early on provides a solid foundation for its continued success. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how James Gunn’s direction influences upcoming installments in the DC Universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job at Marvel following the reappearance of old offensive tweets. These tweets, which joked about pedophilia, rape, and abuse, caused a public uproar.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The updated CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman film was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he has also described himself as being somewhat “against religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and still finds prayer important in his life, yet he describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
