Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated Superman reboot soared at the box office, earning an estimated $122 million in its U.S. and Canada opening weekend—the third $100M+ debut of 2025. Globally, the film added $95 million for a $217 million total, setting the stage for a new era of DC superhero films under director James Gunn and DC Studios.
The movie, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, marks a critical turning point for Warner Bros. After years of struggling to match Marvel’s dominance, the studio is banking on Gunn’s fresh vision—previously seen in Guardians of the Galaxy—to revitalize DC’s cinematic universe. Upcoming projects include Supergirl (2026), Batman, and Wonder Woman reboots.
While domestic numbers impressed analysts, international performance raised some concerns. The film’s $225 million budget makes its overseas earnings crucial for long-term success. However, Warner Bros. emphasized that Superman has always been more popular in the U.S., with distribution chief Jeff Goldstein calling the results “as expected.” Critics praised the film (82% on Rotten Tomatoes), highlighting Gunn’s balance of action, humor, and heart.
The movie’s success follows a rocky 2024 for Warner Bros. (Furiosa, Joker 2 underperforming), but 2025 has brought wins like A Minecraft Movie ($162.8M opening) and F1. Despite minor controversy over Gunn calling Superman an “immigrant story,” the film avoids overt politics, focusing instead on heroism. With year-to-date box office still 24% below pre-pandemic levels, Superman’s strong start offers hope for Hollywood’s recovery. Can DC finally challenge Marvel’s throne?