James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman has made a thunderous impact at the global box office, soaring past the $300 million mark in just seven days. Released on July 11, the reboot has already outperformed the lifetime earnings of 2023’s The Flash, signaling a triumphant return for DC Studios.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Superman crossed the $300 million milestone on Thursday, bolstered by an impressive $177.7 million domestic (U.S.) gross. International markets have also responded enthusiastically, bringing the total to an estimated $271.4 million as per Box Office Mojo, although final numbers continue to climb.
The film marks the official start of Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe, positioning David Corenswet in his breakout role as the iconic Man of Steel. The cast also features Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and a host of other prominent stars including Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, and Anthony Carrigan.
Superman’s early success puts it well ahead of Warner Bros.’ previous DC release, The Flash, which struggled with both critical reception and box office performance. In just a week, Superman eclipsed the Ezra Miller-led film’s entire global haul — a feat that underlines renewed fan interest in the franchise and James Gunn’s storytelling approach.
Made on a reported budget of $225 million, with an additional $100 million spent on marketing and promotions, the film is on a promising trajectory toward profitability. Analysts suggest that strong weekday earnings and minimal competition from new releases will likely keep momentum high into its second weekend.
Among this week’s competing films, I Know What You Did Last Summer, a horror remake, brought in $2.2 million in Thursday previews, while Smurfs, featuring pop icon Rihanna in a voice role, is tracking poorly with a 20% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Neither film is expected to generate over $13 million in its opening weekend, which bodes well for Superman‘s continued box office reign.
With buzz growing, all eyes are now on whether Superman can overtake Marvel’s Thunderbolts, which capped its run earlier this year with a global total of $383 million. If current trends hold, Gunn’s film may not only beat that mark but also set a new standard for future DC projects.
Internationally, Superman saw a wide release, including in India where the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) drew criticism for censoring scenes involving intimacy between the leads. The CBFC reportedly removed two kissing scenes, sparking online backlash over outdated censorship norms in modern cinema.
Despite the controversy, the film has largely been met with critical praise and strong audience support. Fans have applauded the film’s emotional depth, balanced action sequences, and a refreshing take on the beloved hero. David Corenswet’s earnest portrayal of Superman has also earned widespread acclaim, helping reestablish the character’s relevance in today’s superhero landscape.
James Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, has made clear that Superman represents the beginning of a new creative chapter for DC. With its strong start, the film seems poised to lead a new era for the franchise, offering hope to fans eager for a more consistent cinematic universe.
As Superman continues its box office ascent, the film’s success signals a powerful return for DC Studios and may well define the future of superhero storytelling in the years to come. Whether it eventually overtakes Thunderbolts or not, Superman has already delivered a powerful opening statement — both financially and creatively.
