Superman Soars Past $600 Million at Global Box Office, Marking a Major Victory for James Gunn’s DC Studios

First superhero film of 2025 to cross the milestone as DC fights back against Marvel and superhero fatigue

Los Angeles, August 23 – The Man of Steel is flying higher than ever. James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman has officially become the first superhero film of 2025 to cross the $600 million mark at the global box office, a milestone that serves as both a financial and symbolic victory for Warner Bros.’ DC Studios, co-led by Gunn and Peter Safran.

The film achieved the feat early Friday morning, closing Thursday with $599.6 million worldwide, including $343.6 million from North America and $256 million overseas. By Friday afternoon, Superman had pushed past the mark, securing its place in box office history.

A Crucial Win for DC Studios

For Gunn and Safran, this success is more than numbers — it’s a morale boost at a pivotal moment. Tasked with reviving a faltering DC brand after recent disappointments like The Flash, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Blue Beetle and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the duo needed Superman to deliver. With a net budget of $225 million (before marketing), the stakes were sky-high.

And deliver it has. Critics and audiences alike have embraced the film, praising its heart, character depth, and cinematic scale. It is also the first DC film since 2022’s The Batman to achieve the milestone, and the first official DC Extended Universe (DCEU) entry since 2018’s Aquaman to do so.

Outpacing Marvel and Reviving Hopes

In an ironic twist, Superman’s triumph comes as Marvel Studios struggles. All three of its 2025 releases — The Fantastic Four: First Steps ($472.7 million), Captain America: Brave New World ($415 million), and Thunderbolts ($382.4 million) — have underperformed despite decent reviews.

While The Fantastic Four opened strong, it quickly tumbled in ticket sales, underlining the superhero fatigue plaguing the industry. Against that backdrop, Superman’s ability to not only maintain momentum but outgross Marvel’s entire lineup so far makes the achievement even sweeter for DC.

Superman’s Box Office Performance in Context

Superman is currently the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2025 worldwide, trailing behind:

• Ne Zha II ($1.89 billion)
• Lilo & Stitch live-action ($1.03 billion)
• A Minecraft Movie ($955.1 million)
• Jurassic World Rebirth ($829.9 million)
• How to Train Your Dragon live-action ($626.1 million)

While impressive, Superman faces challenges in matching earlier Superman outings. Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice grossed $874.4 million globally in 2016, while Man of Steel (2013) finished at $668 million. With superhero appeal waning overseas, Gunn’s film may fall short of those totals despite its North American strength.

A New Face of the Man of Steel

Much of Superman’s renewed success has been attributed to its fresh cast and modern vision. David Corenswet brings a grounded yet inspiring take as Clark Kent/Superman, while Rachel Brosnahan shines as Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor has also drawn praise for his sinister but charismatic portrayal.

The supporting cast adds further depth with Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Beck Bennett (Steve Lombard) and Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), rounding out what fans are calling one of DC’s most complete ensembles in years.

Looking Ahead

For James Gunn and Peter Safran, Superman isn’t just a box office hit — it’s the first stepping stone in a new DC era. While it may not smash billion-dollar records like The Joker ($1.078 billion) or Aquaman ($1.148 billion), the film’s success sends a clear signal: DC can still inspire, captivate, and compete.

And for fans, seeing Superman soar again — on screen and at the box office — feels like the start of something hopeful.