Warner Bros. Pictures’ latest Superman film dominated Friday box office sales, earning an estimated $56.5 million domestically, following a strong $22.5 million from Thursday previews. The iconic superhero, first introduced in 1938 and adapted into a film series in 1978, is now on track for a $130 million domestic debut.
Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango and founder of Box Office Theory, noted that predicting the film’s success was difficult due to shifting audience interest in superhero movies and DC Studios’ recent challenges compared to Marvel’s dominance. This uncertainty prompted DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn—who also directed the new Superman—to revamp the franchise’s strategy in 2023.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, called the film “a modern take on Superman and a potential fresh start for DC Comics.” Initial projections had estimated a $90 million opening, but strong reviews—including an 82% critics’ score and 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes—helped push expectations higher.
Gunn’s interpretation differs from previous adaptations, such as Zack Snyder’s 2013 Man of Steel, which grossed $402.6 million domestically (adjusted for inflation). The new film also benefits from a surge in blockbuster interest following releases like Jurassic World Rebirth, which debuted to $147 million last week.
“‘Superman’ is the perfect summer blockbuster—fun, exciting, and exactly what audiences want right now,” Dergarabedian said.
Robbins added that the 2025 Superman stands out with its lighter, more optimistic tone, appealing to both comic book fans and families despite its PG-13 rating. This comes as some recent superhero films, like 2023’s The Marvels ($46 million opening), struggled with franchise fatigue—though exceptions like Deadpool & Wolverine (a $200 million+ debut in 2024) prove the genre still has life.
“Audiences have seen so many superhero movies that they crave something fresh,” Robbins noted. “This weekend’s success will depend on word of mouth.”
With strong early numbers and positive reception, Superman may mark a turning point for DC’s cinematic future.