James Gunn’s Superman has earned widespread acclaim and has attracted significant box office attention since its release this summer. Although it has not reached the heights of his previous hit Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the film’s performance demonstrates that audiences welcomed a fresh interpretation of the iconic Man of Steel.
Comparing Superman’s Earnings with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 established a particularly high benchmark, earning $845 million worldwide with $359 million from domestic theaters and $486 million internationally. The film also received considerable critical acclaim, scoring 82% from critics and a remarkable 94% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. While Superman has surpassed $350 million domestically, it falls just under Guardians’ domestic total by about $7 million. The current decline in theater count to fewer than 2,000 venues indicates that Superman’s box office run is nearing its conclusion.
- North America – $352.1 million
- International – $260.3 million
- Worldwide – $612.4 million
Recent Weekend and Holiday Performance Reflect Declining Momentum
Superman’s most recent weekend brought in $2.5 million, marking a 24% decrease from the previous week’s numbers. On the Labor Day holiday, the film earned just $780,000, according to Box Office Mojo, signaling difficulty in reaching $1 million in daily earnings moving forward.
Critical and Audience Response Highlights Positive Reception
The film has earned an 83% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with an even stronger audience score of 90%. CinemaScore‘s A- grade confirms that viewers were generally satisfied with Gunn’s vision. Despite initial skepticism about the director’s approach to Superman, the movie has earned high praise, with many reviewers describing it as one of the standout releases of the season.
Superman’s Place in Gunn’s Filmography and the Character’s Legacy
Although the box office momentum may be slowing, Superman has already secured a notable reputation within the character’s storied history. It highlights James Gunn’s skill in reinventing well-known heroes in ways that resonate with both audiences and critics alike, emphasizing his continued influence on comic book cinema.
