James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Takes Flight: Soars to $22.5 Million in Box Office Previews!

James Gunn’s Superman has soared at the box office, earning $22.5 million in its Thursday previews. That figure is the best of the year so far.

The film is projected to open to around $130 million domestically. However, DC Studios is being cautious, maintaining a forecast closer to $100 million. The buzz surrounding the movie has been intense, even drawing a playful meme from Donald Trump, who compared himself to the superhero on social media.

Gunn wears two hats as both the film’s writer-director and a leader at DC Studios. This gives him a strong influence over its promotion. Superman is also set to launch in 78 international markets, with similar expectations for a $100 million-plus opening abroad.

For context, Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice set a record for Superman movies with a $166 million debut in 2016, not adjusted for inflation. The last solo Superman film, Snyder’s Man of Steel, debuted to $116 million. Going back even further, Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns opened to over $84 million over six days nearly two decades ago.

The fluctuating box office trends make it understandable why Gunn and co-head Peter Safran are cautious with their forecasts. Recent months have shown unpredictability in audience turnout for superhero films.

The cast includes David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, among others. This film is Gunn’s first major project since he took charge of DC Studios in November 2022. Upcoming projects include the HBO series Lanterns and a Supergirl movie set for 2026.

Interestingly, viewing habits have shifted dramatically. A recent survey indicated that 60% of moviegoers prefer streaming services over theaters for superhero films, a trend that Gunn and his team must navigate as they shape the future of DC.

With changing tastes in entertainment, Superman could redefine audience expectations and bring a fresh narrative to the superhero genre.

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