James Gunn’s Superman is off to a flying start, as the Superman’s box office record officially surpasses Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel — and notably, without adjusting for inflation. As a result, this milestone not only sets the tone for the DC Universe reboot, but it also marks a symbolic passing of the torch. Moreover, it reflects growing audience confidence in Gunn’s new direction for the franchise.
Superman’s Box Office Proves a Powerful Reboot Launch
Opening with a domestic total of $122 million, Superman now holds the third-highest weekend debut of 2025. Only A Minecraft Movie ($162.7 million) and Lilo & Stitch ($146 million) had bigger openings.
Globally, the film brought in $217 million during its first weekend, including $95 million from international markets. Notably, 56.2% of the total came from the domestic box office, proving Superman’s box office momentum is particularly strong in the U.S. market.
How Superman’s Box Office Debut Compares to Man of Steel
Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel opened with $116.6 million domestically in 2013. In comparison, Gunn’s Superman beat that by over $5 million — unadjusted for inflation.
However, when adjusted to 2025 dollars, Man of Steel would stand at roughly $151.5 million for its opening. So, while Gunn’s version leads in raw numbers, Snyder’s still claims the inflation-adjusted edge — at least for now.
What Superman’s Success Means for DC’s Future
The box office results speak volumes. With positive word-of-mouth and limited superhero competition until Fantastic Four: First Steps drops on July 25, Superman’s box office could maintain momentum in the weeks ahead.
The film’s current ratings also contribute significantly to its ongoing momentum. To begin with, Superman has earned a critic score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 355 reviews, indicating generally favorable critical reception. Furthermore, the verified audience score stands at an impressive 93% from over 10,000 ratings, reflecting strong viewer satisfaction. In addition, the film received a CinemaScore of A-, further emphasizing the positive audience response. With that in mind, its runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes, along with a PG-13 rating, ensures accessibility to a wide demographic, thereby supporting its broad commercial appeal.
Cast, Crew, and Creative Team Behind the Reboot
Key contributors to this successful relaunch include:
- Clark Kent / Superman: David Corenswet
- Lois Lane: Rachel Brosnahan
- Lex Luthor: Nicholas Hoult
- Director/Writer: James Gunn
- Producers: James Gunn & Peter Safran
- Production Companies: DC Studios, Troll Court Entertainment, The Safran Company
- Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Superman’s Box Office Launches a New Era
More than just a financial achievement, Superman’s performance signals a shift in tone, direction, and audience reception for the DCU. It’s the first major test for Gunn’s vision — and so far, it’s passing with flying colors. With high scores, a massive opening, and strong fan engagement, Superman stands poised to not only challenge past DC films but also carve out a confident future in this new cinematic universe. As it stands, Superman is not just a solid box office performer — it’s a symbolic win, officially kicking off the new DCU era with a record-breaking debut for the character.
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