Superman 2025 Earns $217M at Global Box Office

Superman 2025 Soars to $217M at Global Box Office in Opening Weekend

LOS ANGELES, July 12, 2025 — The new Superman film from Warner Bros. has taken flight with a strong debut, raking in an estimated $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend. The movie collected $122 million in the United States and Canada, while adding $95 million internationally, according to the studio.

The film marks a new era for DC’s superhero universe and features David Corenswet as Superman in a fresh reboot directed by James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios.

“This opening sets the tone for what we’re building at DC,” said Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. “The vision is clear, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

A Big Win for DC Studios

Superman’s domestic launch places it among the top three biggest opening weekends of 2025, alongside A Minecraft Movie and Final Destination: Bloodlines. It’s also a much-needed win for DC after several box office struggles in recent years.

James Gunn, best known for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy series, was brought in to reshape DC’s cinematic future. His Superman aims to be the foundation of upcoming films, including a Supergirl movie and future Batman and Wonder Woman projects.

“This isn’t just another Superman movie,” said Gunn in an earlier press briefing. “It’s a story about hope, kindness, and the human spirit.”

Mixed International Reception

While the domestic numbers were impressive, some analysts noted the international performance fell short of expectations for a blockbuster of this scale. The movie’s production budget reportedly stood at $225 million.

“Superman has always been more popular in America,” said Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution at Warner Bros. “We expected a bigger US turnout than international, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Jeff Bock, a senior analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co., said the $95 million international take was “a bit underwhelming,” but the domestic response “gives DC a real boost.”

Positive Reviews and Cast Reception

Superman has been met with largely positive reviews, holding an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. David Corenswet received praise for his performance, with Rachel Brosnahan playing Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult portraying the villain, Lex Luthor.

Actor Nathan Fillion, who plays Green Lantern, dismissed online backlash tied to political interpretations of the film. “It’s just a movie, guys,” he told Variety at the Los Angeles premiere.

DC’s 2025 Turnaround

After several underperformers in 2024, including Joker: Folie à Deux and Furiosa, Warner Bros. has now had six No. 1 openings in 2025. Other hits include Sinners, F1, and Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Box office trends in North America show a 15% rise over 2024, though still 24% below pre-pandemic levels.

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