Director James Gunn’s Superman has surpassed $600 million worldwide after seven weeks in theaters, securing its position as one of 2025’s leading superhero box office successes. Despite debuting on streaming platforms earlier than planned, this film has maintained steady earnings globally, proving its appeal among audiences eager for a fresh take on the iconic character.
Although Superman’s total gross is impressive, it falls short of the $670 million earned by Zack Snyder’s 2013 Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill. That earlier film had a production budget of around $250 million and was considered an underperformance at the time. This latest Superman movie had an estimated production cost of $225 million, with additional marketing expenses, yet it managed to outpace recent Marvel films such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, it did not reach the extraordinary heights of Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, which featured less recognized characters.
Positive Critical Response and Fast-Tracked Sequel Plans
Superman received generally favorable reviews, holding an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the film for creating a vivid new universe while emphasizing the character’s emotional core. The consensus highlights how this iteration of Superman, described as a “Man of Tomorrow,” is both grounded and relevant to today’s viewers.
“Pulling off the heroic feat of fleshing out a dynamic new world while putting its champion’s big, beating heart front and center, this Superman flies high as a Man of Tomorrow grounded in the here and now.” —Critics, Rotten Tomatoes
The movie’s success encouraged Warner Bros. to greenlight a sequel quickly. The studio’s decision to release the film early on PVOD was partly to align with the HBO series Peacemaker’s second season, which continues the story and introduces significant updates to the DC Universe continuity.
Surpassing Other 2025 Superhero Releases
During its theatrical lifespan, Superman outperformed notable superhero blockbusters including Iron Man, Ant-Man, and Thor, as well as this year’s Marvel releases—Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four. Its popularity demonstrates its strong hold on audiences compared to its contemporaries in the competitive superhero genre.
Warner Bros. Gains Momentum with New Franchise Direction
Warner Bros. developed this Superman franchise as a response to the mixed reception of the DC Extended Universe, which began with Man of Steel and peaked with the billion-dollar hit Aquaman in 2018. The disappointing performance of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom marked the end of that era. In contrast, Superman stands out as a notable success amid Warner Bros.’ 2025 lineup, which also includes films like Sinners, Final Destination Bloodlines, F1, and Weapons.
With Superman’s theatrical run winding down, the focus shifts to its availability for home viewing and its connection to ongoing DC Universe projects, reinforcing Warner Bros.’ strategy of rebuilding its superhero portfolio with layered stories and compelling characters.
Main Cast and Character Highlights
David Corenswet stars as Superman, portraying the hero as a figure balancing his alien origins with human values, embodying truth, justice, and the American way in a world that often views kindness as outdated. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, contributing to the dynamic narrative that grounds the film’s emotional themes and character development.
