James Gunn’s Superman is proving to be more than just a reboot—it’s a box office revival for DC Studios. Within its first week, the film has not only exceeded expectations but has already outpaced several previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) entries. The numbers, the momentum, and the reception all suggest that Superman is finally flying high again.
Superman Crushes Early Box Office Records
Released globally on July 11, James Gunn’s Superman earned a massive $272.7 million worldwide in just seven days, according to The Numbers. This performance puts it ahead of Ezra Miller’s The Flash, which ended its entire run with $271.4 million. That means Superman surpassed The Flash’s lifetime earnings in just one week.
And it didn’t stop there.
As per a Hollywood Reporter update, the film has now crossed the $300 million mark globally. Out of this, an impressive $177.7 million came from the U.S. domestic market alone. This strong midweek performance shows that audiences are not only showing up for opening weekend—they’re sticking around well into the second week.
Outperforming the Lower Half of the DCEU
Superman has already left several DCEU films in the dust, including:
- Birds of Prey
- Wonder Woman 1984
- The Suicide Squad
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- Blue Beetle
It now sits at the tenth spot on the list of highest-grossing modern DC movies, with eyes on overtaking several more. If it continues at this pace, Superman could soon surpass:
- Shazam! ($365.9 million)
- Black Adam ($393.5 million)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ($440.1 million)
- Justice League ($661.3 million)
- Man of Steel ($667.9 million)
- Suicide Squad ($749.2 million)
While reaching Aquaman’s $1.148 billion may be out of reach, Gunn’s Superman has a fair shot at challenging Wonder Woman’s $822.9 million and even Batman v Superman’s $874.3 million.
New DCU Launches on a High Note
This film marks the beginning of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, and its success signals a promising future for the franchise. With David Corenswet stepping into the cape and boots of the Man of Steel, the reboot has drawn in both critics and fans. The movie balances the classic charm of Superman—including his red trunks and moral compass—with modern storytelling and character depth.
Alongside Corenswet, the cast includes Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. Their performances have added emotional and narrative richness to the two-hour film, helping it strike a chord with today’s audience.
Budget, Promotion, and Competition
The film reportedly had a production budget of $225 million, with an additional $100 million spent on marketing. Despite these high costs, Superman’s strong box office start suggests the investment is already paying off.
And while new releases like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Smurfs are entering the market, they are projected to open below $13 million. With Superman facing weak competition, its box office run is expected to continue strong in the coming weeks.
India Release and Controversy
The film released in India on July 11, but not without controversy. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) enforced several cuts, including the removal of two kissing scenes between the leads. This sparked backlash on social media, with many criticizing India’s continued censorship of romantic content in mainstream cinema.
Can Superman Outshine Marvel’s Thunderbolts?
One of the big questions now is whether Superman can outdo Marvel’s Thunderbolts, which earned $383 million globally earlier this year. Given the momentum, it’s a realistic target. If achieved, Superman will not only dominate recent DC entries but will also begin to match the box office power of Marvel’s mid-tier hits.
