Superman Soars to New Heights in North American Theaters

As the weekend approaches, anticipation is building around the release of the new Superman film. Although official box office figures won’t be available for a few more hours, early indicators suggest that this reboot from DC Studios is poised to be a monumental success in North American theaters. According to primary estimates from Deadline, the film is projected to earn over $21 million during its initial preview screenings, which includes approximately $2.8 million accumulated during exclusive screenings for Amazon Prime members earlier in the week.
This latest Superman installment is not just another movie; it's making history. It has recorded the highest earnings for a James Gunn film during preview nights, surpassing the previous record held by 2023’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which garnered $17.5 million. Furthermore, the film has achieved the best preview earnings of 2025 so far, outpacing other major releases such as Disney's Lilo & Stitch, which made $14.5 million, and Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World, which earned $12 million.
Experts are optimistic about the film's potential, with initial weekend estimates ranging from $115 million to $130 million. However, the buzz surrounding the film suggests that it might exceed even those conservative projections. To put this into perspective, comparisons with past successes reveal that Superman has already outperformed Man of Steel, which garnered $9 million during its previews in 2013. It is important to note that the preview landscape has evolved; back then, screenings began at 10 PM, whereas Superman began its showings at 2 PM this time around. The film is also expected to potentially outperform the preview earnings of The Batman, which reached $21.6 million in 2022.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, executives at Warner Bros. are aiming for Superman to achieve at least $500 million in global box office sales. If the film reaches that benchmark, it will be considered a financial success. However, there’s more at stake than just numbers; Warner Bros. also desires positive audience reception to create excitement for future installments in the newly envisioned DC cinematic universe.
This weekend, the film is also set to premiere in China, further broadening its audience and potential earnings. Fans can check out an exclusive new poster released in conjunction with the film's upcoming launch.
The excitement surrounding Superman is palpable, with many early viewers expressing their admiration for the film. One social media user, Josh Wilding, tweeted, “Superman is an indescribable joy. What a beautiful, moving thrill ride of a film. @corenswet is the PERFECT Man of Steel. @JamesGunn has done it…if this is an indication of what’s to come from the DCU, then we’re in for a treat.”
Directed by James Gunn, Superman serves as DC Studios’ inaugural feature film, bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic superhero. Gunn is known for his unique storytelling style that combines epic action with humor and heartfelt moments, resulting in a Superman who embodies compassion and an unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity.
The film boasts a talented cast featuring David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Other notable actors include Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell, and Milly Alcock.
Fans can expect to see Superman grace theaters worldwide starting July 11, 2025. With the excitement building, many are eager to see the outcome of this highly anticipated film.