James Gunn Superman Movie Breaks Records
With its positive reviews and record-breaking box office performance, James Gunn's Superman film has set the stage for a new era in the DC Universe, introducing a fresh take on the iconic superhero and exploring themes of kindness, humanity, and heroism.
James Gunn's "Superman" film has made a strong debut in the DC Universe, breaking the domestic box office record for solo Superman films with a gross of $292.4 million, surpassing Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. The movie, starring David Corenswet as Superman, has received positive reviews, with an 83% critics score and 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film's success can be attributed to Gunn's unique take on the iconic superhero, tapping into his defining archetype and distinguishing it from previous reboots. The story explores Superman's origins, introducing a world where humans and superheroes coexist, and delves into themes of kindness, humanity, and the struggle to save a world that doubts his humanity. The strong ensemble cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, adds to the film's appeal, making it a must-watch for fans of the DC Universe.
Despite strong competition from other summer blockbusters, Superman has drawn sizable audiences, although its international returns have been modest, collecting $214.1 million so far. The film has outperformed Superman Returns and Christopher Reeve's Superman films, but still lags behind Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in global box office tallies. With a cumulative domestic total of $296.7 million, the 2025 movie has jumped to the 114th highest-grossing movie of all time in North America.
The success of James Gunn's Superman film marks a new beginning for the DC Universe, with the director and producer Peter Safran at the helm. As the film continues to attract audiences, it will be interesting to see how it performs in the coming weeks and whether it can maintain its momentum in the face of increasing competition.