Despite tracking projections soaring to $130 million for its domestic opening, DC Studios is playing it safe with a more cautious $100M+ estimate for James Gunn’s much-anticipated ‘Superman.’
Los Angeles [US], July 9:
James Gunn’s Superman is set to soar into theaters on July 11, and early box office projections hint at a powerful lift-off. Hollywood tracking service NRG currently pegs the film’s North American opening at $130 million, though DC Studios is tempering expectations, publicly forecasting a $100 million-plus debut both domestically and overseas.
This marks a pivotal moment for Gunn—not only is he the film’s writer and director, but also co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. That gives him significant control over both creative direction and public messaging, especially for a film that aims to reset the DC cinematic universe in a post-Snyder era.
High Expectations, Careful Forecasting
When Superman first entered tracking three weeks ago, NRG projected a $135 million domestic debut. That number later dipped slightly to $130 million, where it has held steady. While Gunn and Safran are publicly downplaying expectations, industry insiders believe the film could benefit from strong word of mouth and positive early reviews.
The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as a reinvention of the character, saying the “Man of Steel reclaims his human heart.” The movie currently holds an 84% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, which may further energize audiences in the lead-up to its release.
Superman’s Box Office Legacy
Historically, Superman films have seen varied success at the box office:
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) holds the record with a $166 million domestic opening.
- Man of Steel (2013) debuted with $116 million.
- Superman Returns (2006) earned $84 million over six days.
Gunn’s new iteration has the added pressure of launching the rebooted DC cinematic universe, positioning it not just as another superhero movie, but as the foundation for an entirely new storytelling arc.
Gunn’s Vision for Superman
Gunn has emphasized a return to hope and heroism, telling press in February, “People are looking for heroes right now… people who are good and decent human beings. And Superman is that.” That emotional clarity stands in contrast to the darker, more brooding tone of the Zack Snyder era.
At the same time, Gunn has acknowledged the looming threat of superhero fatigue—a growing concern at the box office in recent years. The performance of Superman will be a crucial test of whether audiences are ready to invest again in iconic cape-wearing heroes.
Star-Studded Cast & Future Projects
Superman stars David Corenswet as the titular hero, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Supporting cast includes:
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
- Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
This film also marks Gunn’s first major DC Studios release since taking the reins in November 2022. Other highly anticipated projects on the slate include:
- HBO’s Lanterns (Green Lantern series)
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, due in 2026
With so much riding on Superman’s success, both critically and commercially, its opening weekend will be watched closely—not just as a box office barometer, but as a referendum on the future of DC Studios itself.