The latest DC Universe (DCU) film, Superman, has overtaken two major movies, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and the Tom Hanks-led classic Forrest Gump, in domestic box office revenue over the recent weekend. Released on July 11, the movie continues to outperform expectations, strengthening its position in the North American market as it appeals to audiences with its compelling storyline and strong performances, including that of lead actor David Corenswet.
Notable Milestones and Rankings Achieved by Superman
Superman recently earned a spot among the top 90 highest-grossing films in North America, officially surpassing Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to become the highest-grossing DC film featuring the Man of Steel domestically. With a cumulative domestic gross of $331.4 million, it is now less than $5 million shy of beating Alice in Wonderland and Guardians of the Galaxy’s domestic totals. Industry data from Box Office Mojo reports that during its fifth three-day weekend, Superman generated approximately $8 million, maintaining steady momentum against competition, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe releases.
Comparison with Oppenheimer, Forrest Gump, and Other Box Office Hits
Superman’s domestic earnings have now overtaken those of two critically acclaimed films: Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, and Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks. Despite Forrest Gump being a six-time Academy Award winner and Oppenheimer securing seven Oscars, both films achieved domestic grosses near $330 million ($330.4 million for Forrest Gump and $330.07 million for Oppenheimer). For Superman to surpass these benchmarks signifies its robust appeal and staying power at the box office. Currently ranked as the 87th highest-grossing film in North America, Superman is on track to surpass Guardians of the Galaxy and applauded hits such as Joker once it nears a projected $360 million domestic run.
International Performance and Digital Release Plans
Internationally, the DC graphic tale has also seen considerable success, bringing in $247.8 million after five weeks in theaters overseas. When combined with its domestic revenue, Superman’s global box office take stands at approximately $579.2 million. Fans can anticipate accessing the film digitally starting August 26, several weeks after its theatrical release, allowing broader audiences to experience the movie from home.
Implications for the DC Universe and Upcoming Prospects
The ongoing success of Superman not only reaffirms the appeal of DCU properties but also indicates strong market confidence in its future projects. By outperforming films by renowned artists like Christopher Nolan and actors such as Tom Hanks, the Man of Steel character is cementing its relevance across generations of moviegoers. This momentum is likely to bolster interest in upcoming DC offerings and influence strategic decisions for future theatrical and digital rollouts.
