James Gunn and DC Studios kicked off the new DC Universe proper this weekend with the release of Superman, and Gunn’s rebooted cinematic universe has got itself off to a solid start at the box office with the David Corenswet-led superhero blockbuster debuting to $217 million globally.
In North America, Superman opened atop the box office with $122 million, giving the movie the third-largest opening of the year so far behind A Minecraft Movie ($162 million) and Lilo & Stitch ($146 million) as well as edging it above the $116 million opening weekend of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel back in 2013. It was also on the higher-end of pre-release tracking estimates, which had ranged wildly from $90 million to $135 million.
Internationally, the film didn’t quite manage to match the same punch as it did with domestic audiences, with Universal’s Jurassic World Rebirth holding strong in several markets to leave Superman having to settle for second place in the likes of France, Germany and Italy. It did manage to amass a further $95 million overall though, with top markets including the UK ($9.8 million), Mexico ($8.8 million), China ($6.6 million), Brazil ($5.9 million) and Australia ($5.3 million).
“I’m incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days,” Gunn wrote on Threads. “We’ve had a lot of ‘Super’ in ‘Superman’ over the years, and I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part of the equation – a kind person always looking out for those in need. That that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings. Thank you. ❤️”
“Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world,” said Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav in a statement regarding Superman’s opening. “James and Peter’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired.”
SEE ALSO: Read our Superman review here
“This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step,” Zaslav continued. “Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max, all part of a bold 10-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
Do you share David Zaslav’s enthusiasm for the future of the DC Universe, having seen the foundation set by Superman? Let us know your thoughts on the film and the DCU’s future prospects over on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Superman tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.
Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern/Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, María Gabriela De Faría as The Engineer, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Milly Alcock as Supergirl, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, Christopher McDonald as Ron Troupe, Terence Rosemore as Otis, and Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Jonathan and Martha Kent.
