As the excitement builds for Superman‘s opening weekend, the stakes have never been higher for the DC Universe. Directed by James Gunn, this film marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, which has been under scrutiny in the wake of the previous DCEU films. Gunn recently expressed that he would be pleased if the film merely recoups its budget, highlighting the pressures surrounding this release.
The anticipation is palpable, particularly following the success of Superman‘s Early Access screenings on Amazon Prime, which shattered Fandango‘s record for best first-day pre-sales in 2025. This strong showing suggests that audiences are ready for a new chapter in the superhero saga, and it seems to have translated into heightened box office expectations.
Projections from the National Research Group (via Deadline) estimate a massive domestic opening for Superman, predicting earnings between $125 million and $145 million. However, more conservative sources estimate a debut closer to $90 million to $125 million. These projections are critical, considering the film’s budget is a subject of debate, with figures cited around $363.8 million. If that proves accurate, the film would need to earn between $736.6 million and $909.5 million to break even. On the other hand, DC claims the budget is around $225 million after tax incentives, meaning that a gross of $450 million to $562.5 million would cover its costs, including marketing and other expenses.
What Superman’s New Opening Weekend Box Office Projection Means
Zack Snyder’s Man Of Steel Could Be Left Behind
As the new DC Universe takes shape, comparisons with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel are inevitable. Both films serve as foundational pieces for their respective universes. Notably, Man of Steel‘s impressive $670.1 million box office total helped launch the DCEU, raising questions about whether Gunn’s Superman can outperform it.
The current projections suggest it might just do that. If Superman pulls in between $125 million and $145 million for its opening weekend, it would surpass Man of Steel‘s debut of $116.6 million. Even the lower projection of $90 million to $125 million might allow Gunn’s film to edge past Snyder’s, if it performs well at the higher end. Ultimately, there’s a strong possibility that Gunn’s interpretation of the iconic character might outgross Snyder’s effort over its overall run.
Our Take On Superman’s New Opening Weekend Box Office Projection
The DCU Should Be Off To A Strong Start
Setting the stage for the new DC Universe, a projected opening weekend of $125 million to $145 million could place Superman as having the second-best domestic opening, after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which debuted with a staggering $166 million. The buzz surrounding this movie gives hope for strong performances at the box office. If it lives up to even the mid-range projections, there’s a realistic chance that Superman will recoup its production budget in just the first weekend. Considering Man of Steel was already a success, the prospect of Superman tracking ahead is nothing short of exhilarating.
Source: National Research Group (via Deadline)