Superman Box Office Preview: $22.5 Million Opening Night Success

Warner Bros. Discovery's latest superhero film, "Superman," achieved a remarkable $22.5 million in ticket sales during its Thursday night previews, marking it as the best opening for a Superman film and the third-highest Thursday performance for a DC superhero movie. The film, which debuted on July 11, 2025, is projected to earn between $130 million and $140 million over its opening weekend, aligning with the industry's expectations for blockbuster releases during the summer season.

According to Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, this impressive preview performance not only highlights the anticipation surrounding the film but also sets a high bar for its box office performance over the busy weekend. “With great power comes great responsibility,” Dergarabedian stated, echoing the film’s themes. The film's opening night figures are notably higher than those of "Superman: Man of Steel," which garnered only $9 million in its Thursday previews back in 2013.

Under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran, who assumed their roles as co-heads of DC Studios in late 2022, "Superman" represents a significant shift in the DC cinematic universe. Gunn and Safran's strategic 10-year plan aims to revitalize the franchise by introducing fresh narratives for iconic characters like Superman and Batman. The film is not merely a continuation but seeks to reinvigorate the optimism associated with superhero storytelling, contrasting the darker tones that have dominated recent DC films.

Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango, emphasized the importance of premium screens and family audiences in contributing to the film's box office longevity. “If families turn out to introduce today’s younger generation to Superman, we’ll be looking at strong box office staying power through the summer,” Robbins noted. This sentiment reflects a broader industry trend where nostalgia and family-friendly themes are increasingly resonating with audiences.

Critically, the film has received positive feedback, holding an 83% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 300 reviews, showcasing an encouraging reception from both audiences and critics alike. Robbins remarked, “This film is the perfect archetype to usher in this reboot, representing a tonal shift toward more hopeful narratives.”

The film's early success is a positive sign for DC Studios as it embarks on this new chapter with Gunn and Safran leading the charge. With the cinematic landscape evolving and audiences craving fresh takes on beloved characters, "Superman" stands as a beacon of hope for the future of the DC franchise. As the film unfolds its narrative in theaters, industry watchers will be keenly observing its performance to gauge the potential trajectory of upcoming DC projects.