James Gunn’s Superman has achieved a notable milestone by surpassing Disney’s animated hit Zootopia in the domestic box office rankings, marking a strong start for the new DC Universe (DCU) film series. While Superman has not reached the ambitious $1 billion global mark, it has comfortably exceeded its budget and continues to advance steadily in box office earnings.
With a reported production budget of $225 million, the DCU’s new Superman movie needed to generate between $450 million and $562.5 million globally to ensure profitability. The latest figures from The Numbers reveal that Superman’s domestic gross now stands at $341.5 million, slightly surpassing Zootopia’s $341.3 million. As Superman has recently become available on digital platforms, the film’s theatrical box office performance is expected to wind down.
Significance of Superman Surpassing Zootopia’s Domestic Total
Superman‘s rise past Zootopia places it at number 78 on the all-time domestic box office chart, reinforcing its success in the competitive theatrical landscape. The next major target for Superman is likely Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder, which currently ranks above it. However, the film’s future climb on the charts remains uncertain, especially with its transition to digital availability.
Zootopia’s achievement is still impressive—while it earned less than Superman domestically, Disney’s feature exceeded $1 billion on the global stage. Currently, Superman has grossed $595.2 million worldwide, falling short of Zootopia’s international totals. This contrast highlights areas where the DCU might focus efforts to build stronger global appeal in future projects.
Assessing Superman’s Box Office Trajectory Compared to Zootopia
Zootopia, one of the most successful animated films of the last decade, is preparing for a sequel release this year, underscoring its lasting impact. Superman’s accomplishment in out-earning Zootopia domestically marks an important victory for James Gunn‘s DCU movie. Despite the digital release signaling a slowdown in theatrical revenue, the film’s momentum suggests it may still ascend in box office rankings.
Positive reviews and favorable word-of-mouth could help Superman maintain box office strength over the coming weeks, allowing it to surmount a few additional positions among the highest-grossing domestic releases before its theatrical presence diminishes.
Context and Details Behind Superman’s Performance
Superman (2025) tells the story of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis grappling with his Kryptonian origins and human upbringing while discovering his place in a complex world. Directed and written by James Gunn and produced by Peter Safran, the film combines science fiction, adventure, and action to present a nuanced exploration of identity within the superhero genre.
The cast includes David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan portraying Lois Lane, supporting the film’s focus on personal and heroic challenges. The movie runs for 130 minutes and carries a PG-13 rating, appealing to a broad audience.
Comparison With Disney’s Zootopia and Its Legacy
Released in 2016, Zootopia follows Officer Judy Hopps, a rabbit, and her collaboration with a fox con artist as they unravel a conspiracy threatening their city of anthropomorphic animals. Directed by Jared Bush, Rich Moore, and Byron Howard, and written by Phil Johnston and Jared Bush, the film earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award.
With a runtime of 108 minutes and a PG rating, Zootopia has an enduring fan base and is set to expand its universe with Zootopia 2. Starring the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman as the fox, Octavia Spencer, and Bonnie Hunt, the film remains a beloved family adventure.
Future Implications for the DC Universe and Superman’s Box Office Impact
By surpassing Zootopia’s domestic box office threshold, James Gunn’s Superman has demonstrated the DC Universe’s potential to contend with major blockbuster successes. This achievement not only secures profitability for the film but also sets an optimistic foundation for future DCU releases under Gunn’s direction.
While global box office numbers indicate areas for growth, Superman‘s domestic success signals strong audience engagement and enthusiastic reception for the character’s reboot. As the DC Universe continues to develop, insights from this milestone will likely influence future storytelling and global marketing strategies.
