James Gunn’s Superman continues to soar, officially crossing the $500 million mark at the global box office. The film earned another $24.9 million domestically and $19.8 million internationally this past weekend, despite losing premium IMAX screens. Its -56.2% drop is considered solid by industry standards and reflects strong audience interest in the third weekend.
As of now, James Gunn’s Superman stands tall with a worldwide total of $502.7 million, making it 2025’s highest-grossing comic book movie so far. This milestone is particularly important because Warner Bros. had reportedly set the $500M mark as the threshold for commercial success. Gunn’s reboot has now officially cleared that target—and with room to grow.
Why James Gunn’s Superman Continues to Thrive
Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that this film has found a steady audience. Domestically, the film has earned $289.5 million, accounting for 57.6% of its total. International markets have also delivered, contributing $213.2 million, or 42.4%. The breakdown is as follows:
- Domestic (57.6%): $289,501,578
- International (42.4%): $213,200,000
- Worldwide Total: $502,701,578
This strong global balance demonstrates that James Gunn’s Superman isn’t just performing well in North America—it’s appealing to international audiences too. Unlike some reboots that struggle to connect across borders, this DCU launch has established a solid foothold worldwide.
Additionally, the film’s ability to maintain momentum in a crowded release calendar is noteworthy. While many summer blockbusters experience sharp second or third-week declines, this film has managed a healthy hold, which bodes well for its legs going forward.
Major Box Office Challenges Ahead
Although this is a huge win for DC Studios, the competition is intensifying. Jurassic World: Rebirth has already amassed a jaw-dropping $718.3 million globally, including $301.5 million domestically and $416.8 million internationally. Backed by a $180 million budget, the film has proven to be a summer juggernaut, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
At the same time, Fantastic Four: First Steps has entered the scene with glowing reviews and positive word of mouth. The MCU’s first family is generating strong buzz, and early box office indicators suggest it could gain momentum quickly in the coming weeks. If audience interest continues to rise, the Fantastic Four could eat into Superman’s market share.
What’s more, fan conversations are now turning to comparisons with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. While Man of Steel earned $668 million globally during its run, it did so over a longer time frame and with less franchise pressure. Gunn’s Superman is already being measured against that benchmark, and its future weeks will determine whether it can ultimately surpass its predecessor, not just financially, but culturally.
Can James Gunn’s Superman Sustain Its Momentum?
The road ahead is uncertain, but there’s reason to be optimistic. Strong word of mouth, repeat viewings, and a growing fan base are working in favor of the film. In particular, fans have praised the film’s emotional depth and lighter tone compared to previous iterations of Superman, which could help bring in broader demographics in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, James Gunn’s Superman is now a key part of the newly launched DCU. Its box office performance is crucial for the franchise’s future. With spinoffs and connected titles already in early development, the film’s success could help secure Gunn’s long-term storytelling plans.
Although heavyweights like Jurassic World and the MCU are formidable opponents, Gunn’s Superman has already defied early skepticism. If it can hold strong in the coming weekends and maintain its box office pace, it may not only surpass Man of Steel—it could redefine Superman’s cinematic legacy for a new generation.
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Patrick Webb