What's Inside?
- James Gunn's Superman crosses $220M in three days, beating Man of Steel and Snyder’s Watchmen at the global box office.
- Zack Snyder hasn’t seen Superman yet, prioritizing his kids’ horse show, but expressed plans to watch it afterward.
- Despite DC’s reboot, Gunn and Snyder maintain a friendly relationship, recently appearing together in a Rick and Morty episode.
Spoiler Alert: This content contains minor plot details from the Superman film. If you haven’t seen it yet, proceed with caution!
A new chapter has been written in the cinematic legacy of the Man of Steel. James Gunn’s Superman, the first film in the overhauled DC Universe, made its global debut last weekend to encouraging results. While international numbers fell slightly below expectations, the domestic box office surged ahead, propelling the film to a $220 million worldwide haul in just three days. This strong start not only surpasses several previous Superman outings but also signals a promising beginning for Gunn and Peter Safran’s ambitious reboot of the DC cinematic universe.
A New Superman Breaks Free From the Shadows of the Past
Despite the immense pressure and legacy that comes with reimagining Superman, James Gunn’s take has delivered more than just a nostalgic spectacle. It’s already outpaced several prior superhero films, including Superman II ($190 million) and Ryan Reynolds’ Green Lantern, which topped out at $219 million globally over its entire run. It even surpassed the lifetime earnings of Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, a cult-favorite that collected $186 million but underwhelmed at the box office after a hyped release in 2009.
The new Superman marks a clear shift in tone and direction from previous DC movies. James Gunn’s approach, often more character-driven and lighter in tone, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, something that early DC Extended Universe (DCEU) entries struggled to achieve consistently. While not yet a blockbuster on par with Marvel’s biggest juggernauts, the film is expected to cross $600 million globally — a substantial feat given Superman’s spotty box office history.
Importantly, the film beat out the domestic opening weekend of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, the 2013 film that kicked off the now-defunct DCEU. While Man of Steel remains one of the more respected entries in Snyder’s universe, Gunn’s film edging it out in opening numbers could be seen as a symbolic shift in the franchise’s trajectory.
The reported $225 million budget puts the film close to breaking even already, setting a solid foundation for the new DC Universe Gunn and Safran are constructing — one that will span across both film and streaming platforms, starting with Creature Commandos and now Superman.
Zack Snyder Misses Opening, But Shows Support With A Ma and Pa Kent-Approved Excuse
With the changing of the guard at DC Studios, fans were naturally curious about how Zack Snyder would respond to James Gunn’s Superman. Snyder, who helped define the DCEU’s gritty tone, has always had a passionate fanbase, and his voice still carries weight in superhero circles. However, the Rebel Moon creator hasn’t yet watched Gunn’s film — and his reason is refreshingly wholesome.
“This weekend I don’t think I’m seeing it because I have a horse show — my kids ride horses — but I’m going to try to see it right after that,” Snyder said in an interview with Variety, while promoting the Rebel Moon video game.
While it may seem surprising that Snyder wasn’t given a private screening, it doesn’t appear to be due to any animosity. In fact, Snyder and Gunn have a long-standing professional relationship, having collaborated on 2004’s Dawn of the Dead. Their camaraderie has continued through the years, as evidenced by their social media appearances together and a memorable cameo in Rick and Morty, where both played versions of themselves.
Snyder’s family-first attitude may have kept him away from the opening weekend festivities, but it’s clear there’s mutual respect between the two filmmakers. Fans can rest assured that any perceived rivalry between Snyder loyalists and the new regime doesn’t reflect reality — both directors seem focused on carving out their unique creative paths.
Superman Flies Ahead Despite Upcoming Box Office Challenges
With a successful opening under its belt, Gunn’s Superman now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum in a crowded theatrical landscape. Competing releases include the horror legacyquel I Know What You Did Last Summer, an animated Smurfs reboot, and Ari Aster’s dark Joaquin Phoenix-led comedy Eddington. While these titles may siphon off some audience share, Superman benefits from strong early reviews and fan enthusiasm.
As critics continue to praise Gunn’s heartfelt and refreshing take on the iconic superhero, the film’s legs at the box office will likely be determined by word-of-mouth and repeat viewings. If it crosses the $600 million mark globally as projected, it won’t just be a win for the film — it’ll be a strong vote of confidence in Gunn’s vision for DC’s future.
For Snyder fans, the legacy of the DCEU remains intact, while a new era is clearly in motion. Once Snyder gets a chance to see the film, perhaps he’ll weigh in further. Until then, the torch has officially been passed — and it’s burning brighter than expected.
