DC Studios Triumphs: ‘Superman’ Soars to $115M-$120M in Opening Weekend Box Office

James Gunn’s Superman is on track for a remarkable opening weekend, potentially raking in between $115 million and $120 million domestically. The film kicked off strongly on Friday with $56.5 million, aided by $22.5 million from early previews.

This latest Superman marks a fresh start for DC Studios, a brand that has faced challenges in the past. Gunn’s role is notable; he is not only the film’s writer-director but also the co-head of DC Studios, working alongside Peter Safran. The movie is also making waves internationally, set to earn over $100 million from 78 markets, adding to an early global total of $96.5 million by Friday.

If Superman crosses $116.6 million, it will claim the title for the biggest domestic opening for a standalone Superman film, surpassing Zack Snyder’s 2013 release, Man of Steel. Interestingly, it’s the first DC title to break the $100 million mark since Wonder Woman debuted in 2017.

Additionally, Gunn’s film is only the third Hollywood title of 2025 to debut above $100 million, following the successes of A Minecraft Movie and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. This achievement is significant, especially in a post-pandemic landscape where blockbuster films face fierce competition and changing audience habits.

Before this weekend, expectations were high, with various tracking services suggesting a potential opening over $130 million. However, Warner Bros. estimated on the more cautious side, settling for over $100 million. Factors affecting these predictions include the crowded marketplace, with films like Jurassic World Rebirth also attracting audiences.

Recent audience research shows that 68% of Superman viewers are male, with most of them ages 18 to 34. While younger fans often flock to opening weekends, older audiences might take longer to join in.

The film has received positive feedback from viewers, earning an A- CinemaScore and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which speaks to its broad appeal. Gunn’s vision seems to resonate well, creating excitement across diverse demographics.

Superman features an impressive cast led by David Corenswet as Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult portraying Lex Luthor. With other projects like HBO’s Green Lantern series and a Supergirl movie on the horizon, Gunn’s direction aims to reinvigorate the DC cinematic universe.

In other box office news, Jurassic World Rebirth is expected to earn around $39 million in its second weekend, while F1: The Movie continues to gain traction with a projected $10 million. Family-friendly movies, including How to Train Your Dragon and Elio, are also performing well.

As we move forward, the landscape of superhero films continues to evolve, reflecting changing audience preferences and cinema trends. Insights from industry experts suggest that the success of Superman may hint at a renewed interest in superhero genres, overcoming what many termed “superhero fatigue.”

With such dynamics at play, the full impact of Superman on the box office and the future of superhero films remains to be seen.

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