LOS ANGELES— James Gunn’s Superman (2025) has officially outpaced multiple Harry Potter films and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, setting a new milestone at the domestic box office.
The movie, starring David Corenswet as the new face of the Man of Steel, reached a domestic total of \$296.7 million, surpassing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (\$296.4M) and Man of Steel (\$291M), making it the highest-grossing solo Superman film in U.S. history.
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Superman Soars Despite Global Slowdown
While domestic earnings are climbing steadily, the movie’s global box office currently sits at \$506.5 million — still short of Man of Steel’s \$670.1M global haul. According to director James Gunn, international returns have been tempered by geopolitical tensions and growing anti-American sentiment, especially in regions such as Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
Despite this, the film recorded a strong midweek performance, pulling in \$4.3 million on its third Tuesday in theaters.
Superman 2025 Box Office Snapshot:
| Category | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|
| U.S. Domestic (to date) | \$296.7M |
| International | \$214.1M |
| Global Total | \$506.5M |
| Man of Steel (2013, global) | \$670.1M |
| Opening Week (U.S.) | \$125M+ |
Critical Reception
The film has received positive reviews, with an 83% critics rating and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics highlight Gunn’s return to Superman’s roots: a symbol of hope, kindness, and moral clarity.
Unlike past versions, this reboot avoids a traditional origin story. Instead, it dives into the political complexities of Superman’s role in a divided world, with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor representing nationalist paranoia.
The ensemble cast — including Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), and Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific) — adds depth without overshadowing the core character.
DCU Reboot Strategy Appears to Be Working
This film marks the first chapter in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU), following the end of the fragmented DC Extended Universe (DCEU) in 2023. The new DCU offers a more cohesive cinematic world, and Superman sets the tone by blending spectacle with substance.
While it hasn’t beaten Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice globally (\$874.3M), industry experts see Superman (2025) as a creative and financial success, with room for growth in sequels and spin-offs.
South Asian Pop Culture Impact & Local Reception
In Pakistan and neighboring countries, Superman remains a top pop culture figure, especially among youth. The film has trended on platforms like YouTube and TikTok Pakistan under hashtags like #Superman2025 and #DavidCorenswetSuperman.
Cinema-goers in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad are contributing to the box office through select multiplexes and IMAX shows, although regional censorship and limited screenings in parts of South Asia have somewhat capped potential revenue.
In comparison:
- Superman’s Pakistan opening: ₨17.5 crore
- Bollywood’s “Kalki 2898 AD”: ₨22 crore
- Local film “Umro Ayyar” (2024): ₨10 crore
Still, Superman continues to draw attention for its family-friendly tone, political undertones, and fresh cast.
What’s Next for Superman and the DCU?
With its success, Superman is expected to lead directly into upcoming DCU films like The Authority and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Gunn has already hinted at deeper crossovers and more grounded storytelling moving forward.
Fans and critics alike are now eager to see whether this rebooted universe can outperform the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has struggled to maintain dominance in recent years.
