Superman Soars to $217 Million Global Debut, Nearly Recovering $225 Million Budget

Warner Bros. has achieved a significant milestone with the release of its latest film, Superman, which has delivered an impressive box office debut. The film, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, opened to a robust $122 million domestically and $95 million internationally, totaling $217 million globally over the opening weekend. This strong performance nearly recovered the film's reported $225 million production budget in its first weekend, marking a powerful new start for DC Studios and Warner Bros.

The domestic opening of Superman ranks as the third-largest of 2025, trailing only A Minecraft Movie and the live-action Lilo & Stitch. The film's Thursday preview screenings alone brought in $22.5 million, with Friday’s total reaching $56.5 million—making it the second-biggest single-day opening of the year. This performance not only exceeded early industry estimates but also marked the biggest-ever domestic launch for a solo Superman film, surpassing Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), which debuted at $116.6 million.

This success is a much-needed win for Warner Bros. and DC Studios, which have struggled in recent years to match the box office success of rival superhero franchises. The film’s positive reception, highlighted by an 83% critic score and a 93% verified audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, has been credited with reigniting fan enthusiasm and setting the stage for future projects. Director James Gunn expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic response, noting, “I’m incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days.”

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav also celebrated the film’s debut, vowing that “Superman is just the first step” for the studio’s ambitious 10-year plan for the DC Universe. This plan includes upcoming films like Supergirl and Clayface, as well as new HBO series such as Lanterns. The studio has been navigating a period of significant uncertainty and transformation, including plans to split into two publicly traded companies by mid-2026. This move aims to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape and address persistent financial pressures.

Despite the challenges, the success of Superman offers a bright spot for Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been grappling with a heavy debt load and a declining stock price. The film’s triumph is another in a string of box office successes, including Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, and signals a turnaround in the studio's fortunes. The strong performance of Superman not only boosts the studio's box office rankings but also provides a much-needed morale boost for its employees, positioning Warner Bros. for continued success in the coming years.