Some entertainment outlets and fan pages claim that James Gunn’s Superman is a major box office success. But that’s not the full story—especially when compared to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. The numbers tell a different truth… unless you ignore inflation.
Man of Steel Still Wins—When You Adjust the Numbers
Lately, comparisons between Superman’s current box office performance and 2013’s Man of Steel have been making the rounds online. However, there’s a major issue: most of those comparisons conveniently skip a crucial factor—inflation.
Man of Steel released in 2013 and earned $291 million at the domestic box office and $668 million worldwide. After adjusting for inflation, those totals rise significantly:
- $402.9 million domestic
- $927.9 million worldwide
In contrast, James Gunn’s Superman has pulled in $250 million domestically as of its 12th day in theaters. Globally, it still trails far behind Man of Steel’s adjusted earnings. Even more telling, during the same 12-day window after release, Man of Steel had already made $304.3 million domestically (adjusted)—which is a full $54 million more than Superman.
More Than Money—It’s About Audience Reach
Adjusting for inflation isn’t just a technicality—it reflects how many people actually bought tickets. A higher inflation-adjusted total means more tickets sold, which directly translates to a larger audience.
By that metric, the 2013 film didn’t just earn more—it reached more viewers. It left a stronger cultural impact, drawing a wider audience and creating greater excitement during its run.
Media Spin Creates a Misleading Narrative
Much of the viral buzz surrounding Gunn’s Superman omits any mention of inflation. This leads to clickbait headlines and exaggerated claims of box office success. While the raw numbers may look promising, they tell an incomplete story without the proper context.
Cherry-picking unadjusted totals creates a skewed perception. The real picture becomes clear only when inflation is factored in—and once that happens, Man of Steel clearly emerges as the box office heavyweight.
Man of Steel Still Flies Higher
There’s no denying that Superman has opened strong. However, when comparisons are made fairly and inflation is accounted for, Man of Steel stands tall. With nearly a billion dollars in adjusted global box office revenue and a larger early audience, Zack Snyder’s Superman still holds the crown.
The truth may hurt—but the facts are undeniable.
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Patrick Webb