James Gunn’s Superman has brought much-needed momentum to DC Studios, debuting with $122 million in the US and Canada, DC’s first film to cross the $100 million mark on opening weekend since Wonder Woman in 2017. As the first film fully produced under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, Superman aims to reset DC’s cinematic universe after a string of commercial misfires.

Despite its solid domestic performance the third-largest opening of 2025 international numbers were softer, with the film grossing $95 million across 78 markets. China, in particular, contributed only $6.6 million. Analysts suggested the character’s distinctly American identity may have hindered its global reception.

Warner Bros. distribution chief Jeffrey Goldstein called the debut “a win for DC Studios,” noting fans had lost trust in the brand after films like The Flash and Shazam! Fury of the Gods failed to connect.

Superman received strong critical acclaim, scoring 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A-” from CinemaScore audiences its best reviews since the Christopher Reeve era. The film skips Superman’s origin story and picks up after his first defeat, with David Corenswet donning the cape, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

Meanwhile, Jurassic World Rebirth fell to second place with $40 million, and Apple Studios’ F1, starring Brad Pitt, held third with $13 million.

Erizia Rubyjeana

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