James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman (2025) has made a strong debut at the box office, which is a good indication for the new DC Universe. The movie, which is the first big release in the revived DCU, has not only impressed reviewers but also gotten people talking, despite recent talk of "superhero fatigue." Its great performance sets a new standard for DC Studios and paves the way for a full schedule of subsequent projects.
The box office success of Superman (2025) sets a new standard for the DCU.
Superman was the highest-grossing movie of the weekend, making a strong $122 million in its first weekend in the US. The movie made an astonishing $217 million around the world. This robust start makes Superman the third movie in 2025 to make more than $100 million in its first three days. The movie did more than expected, beating off other hits from the previous weekend, like Jurassic World Rebirth.
Analysts in the industry say that Superman's success shows that "superhero fatigue" might not be as bad as it seems when a good tale is told. The movie also made a lot of money from IMAX screenings, which brought in $19.1 million in North America and $30.4 million worldwide.
With $217 million worldwide, #Superman2025 shows that "superhero fatigue" is a fallacy when the story is good. A huge win for James Gunn and the DC Universe. #BoxOffice
Breakdown of the domestic and international box office
The $122 million opening in the US was really robust, but the $95 million from 78 overseas markets was a little weaker than projected. This pattern isn't too surprising, since Superman is commonly thought of as an American character.
Looking at 'Superman' next to other DC and Marvel openings
Superman (2025) is doing better than its predecessor, Man of Steel (2013), which made $116 million at the box office. This is true even when inflation is not taken into account. The movie had good reviews, with an 82% average on Rotten Tomatoes and a "A-" CinemaScore. This shows that it is restoring faith in DC fans following a string of movies that didn't do well at the box office, such The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
James Gunn's plan is to take the DC Universe into "Gods and Monsters."
James Gunn and Peter Safran's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" for the DCU starts with Superman. David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has applauded Gunn's enthusiasm and vision, saying that Superman is "just the first step" in bringing the franchise back to life. Gunn thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and said that the movie focused on the "man" side of Superman, which was about being nice and wanting to assist others.
Not only is James Gunn's #Superman (2025) a movie, but it's also the hopeful start of a radical new #DCU. The Man of Steel has really taken off! #DCStudios
People have said that Gunn's style of directing Superman is a mix of epic action, humor, and emotion. David Corenswet, the new Man of Steel, said that Gunn's direct way of working on set was something he "desperately" needed. This way of working together, where Gunn would sometimes yell commands from a "God mic," helped the director and actor get along well, which helped the picture get good reviews.
Lex Luthor set up a shock in the movie that changed Superman's origin narrative in a big way: his Kryptonian parents' last message told him to conquer Earth and bring back the Kryptonian species. This change makes Clark's internal turmoil much stronger, highlighting his decision to be a kind hero despite his background.
Important Characters and Cast: Who's Who in the New DCU's "Superman"
The movie gives new actors famous roles, which sets the tone for future DCU appearances.
David Corenswet: The New Generation's Man of Steel
David Corenswet takes on the famous role of Clark Kent/Superman, and his performance focuses more on the "man" than the "super." His performance shows a hero who is hopeful, positive, and kind who is determined to save lives. Corenswet's approach is all about the Clark Kent persona. It shows how real he is and makes his disguise more credible by using subtle mannerisms instead of merely spectacles. This version is an intentional departure from earlier, darker ones, and it aims to create a more realistic yet hopeful character for today's audience.
David Corenswet is the "man" in Superman. He brings heart and honesty to the new #DCU. This is the hero we've been looking for. #SupermanMovie
Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane in a modern way.
Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, a character who knows Clark's secret identity and is in a relationship with him. She plays a key role in the story because she encourages Mister Terrific to assist find Superman when he is captured. People have said that Brosnahan's acting is pitch-perfect, giving the brave reporter a current feel.
Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor: A New Bad Guy
Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor, a crazy tech billionaire who is the bad guy. Luthor comes up with a plot to turn people against Superman, including employing a kaiju as a distraction to get into the Fortress of Solitude. at the end, his character ends up at Belle Reve, the infamous prison for members of Task Force X.
#Superman (2025) is full of characters, from Lex Luthor's plans to Krypto's pranks, and it sets up an interesting universe where everything is connected. What do you like best? #DCU
The Justice Gang: Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern's Part
The movie shows the Justice Gang, a group of heroes-for-hire that includes Guy Gardner as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. The Hall of Justice, a famous DC Comics place, is where this crew works. The Justice Gang is a loose gang of people who work on their own, but they have a shaky relationship with Superman. Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) pays for them. This group isn't quite like the Justice League International, but it looks like the DCU's first step toward a bigger superhero group, with Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) joining them.
Krypto the Superdog also shows up, much like he does in the comic books.
What to Expect After "Superman" in the Next DCU Chapter 1 Projects
Superman sets the stage for a big DCU, with Chapter One: Gods and Monsters already announcing many projects.
What We Know About Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Supergirl will be the second DCU movie, and it will come out in June 2026. The movie is based on the comic book series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. It stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. James Gunn has said that this version of Supergirl will be more "hardcore" because she grew up on a piece of Krypton where she saw a lot of death. The plot will follow Kara as she helps a young alien warrior get back at the people who killed her father. There are also rumors that Jason Momoa will play Lobo.
Clayface and Lanterns: Adding to the Story of the DCU
There is also a Clayface movie in the works that will be part of the DCU and is said to be rated R. The script is being written by Mike Flanagan. It is based on Batman: The Animated Series and is about Matt Hagen, a scarred actor who turns into a monster who can change shape. People think this movie will be a horror thriller about characters.
The HBO show Lanterns will follow Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), two Green Lanterns who are also intergalactic cops, as they look into a murder mystery in the heart of America. Nathan Fillion will also be Guy Gardner. People say that this series is like True Detective, but it adds a detective element to the cosmic side of the DCU.
Peacemaker Season 2: Connecting Worlds
In Peacemaker Season 2, John Cena's Chris Smith may engage with the Justice Gang, which will help connect the new DCU. In the movie Superman, the fictional band The Mighty Crabjoys is mentioned. They also appeared in Creature Commandos and promotional materials for Peacemaker Season 2. This shows how Gunn's universe is all interrelated.
Batman makes his DCU debut in The Brave and the Bold.
Batman doesn't show up in Superman, but a road sign pointing to Gotham City is a hint that he will be in The Brave and the Bold, which will be his first appearance in the DCU. This movie will include a new Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin to the DCU's main characters.
#Superman is a great start to the DCU's 10-year plan. The future is bright and the momentum is genuine, so be ready for Supergirl, Clayface, and Lanterns! #JamesGunn
How 'Superman' Was Received by Critics and Fans
Critics have mostly liked Superman, giving it an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. People who saw the movie also liked it, awarding it a "A-" CinemaScore. People have really liked the film's brighter, more hopeful tone, which is different from the darker DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies that came before it.
Scores from the audience vs. reviews from critics
The good reviews and audience scores show that the character and the universe have been successfully reset. A lot of fans have said they like how the movie feels more like a "comic book," with things like Superman's trunks on the outside and Krypto being in it. But other people have had varied reactions to what James Gunn said about Superman's immigrant roots in online forums. other people are worried that the movie is too political.
There has been a lot of talk on social media about the movie, from admiration for the cinematography and action scenes to arguments about the casting selections. The movie's music has also gotten a lot of notice for how strong and moving it is. Some people were worried that the script would fall into conventional superhero tropes, while many others hoped for a new and emotionally gripping story that would honor Christopher Reeve's famous performance while still making its own mark.
Lex Luthor shows a fake Kryptonian message to the populace, which makes them turn against Superman and leads to his capture. The story then follows Lois Lane and Mister Terrific as they try to save him, which ends in a fight against Luthor's creatures, one of which being a clone called Ultraman. Some people might think that some parts of the story are "overstuffed," yet the movie's main message of compassion and humanity is quite strong.
The movie is full of James Gunn's trademark mix of humor and emotion, and his regulars make cameo cameos. People have said that the movie's visual style, such David Corenswet's costume with its brilliant colors and characteristic red boots, stays true to comic book art. It takes cues from comics like John Byrne's The Man of Steel and DC's The New Frontier.
Warner Bros. Discovery put a lot of money into promoting Superman all across the world. There were drone light shows with Superman's logo in big cities, a 200-foot Superman statue in London, and Daily Planet pop-up newspaper stands. The "Summer of Superman" campaign ran from May to July and included a lot of different events and corporate partnerships, such as a unique preview of the Puppy Bowl.
There are a lot of Easter eggs and comic book references, from made-up products like Big Belly Burger and Zesti Cola to street names that pay homage to DC luminaries like Alan Moore and Alex Ross. The movie also talks on Clark Kent's disguise, which is a piece of Kryptonian technology called "hypno-glasses." Rick Flag Sr. is introduced as the new head of A.R.G.U.S., and Maxwell Lord shows up, which connects the movie even more to the larger DCU.