David Corenswet’s Superman Soars Past $215 Million Globally, Outpacing Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel on Opening Weekend

James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman,” starring David Corenswet as the iconic Man of Steel, has made a resounding splash at the global box office, raking in an impressive $217 million worldwide over its opening weekend. This strong debut not only marks a triumphant start for the new DC Universe but also sees the film surpass the opening weekend performance of Zack Snyder’s 2013 “Man of Steel,” a significant milestone for the franchise.

The film’s domestic performance in the United States and Canada contributed a robust $122 million to this global tally, immediately establishing it as one of the top openers of 2025. Internationally, “Superman” added another $95 million from 78 markets, demonstrating its broad appeal across the globe.

This financial success is a clear victory for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s vision for the revitalized DC Universe. “Man of Steel,” which introduced Henry Cavill as Superman, had an opening weekend of $116.6 million domestically and a global total of approximately $190 million (though some reports note its global opening was closer to $200.3 million when including early screenings). Regardless of the exact comparison, Corenswet’s “Superman” has undeniably flown higher in its initial flight.

Critics and audiences alike have largely embraced this new iteration of Superman. Reviews have highlighted David Corenswet’s compelling portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman, praising his ability to embody the character’s inherent optimism and kindness while still delivering powerful action sequences. The film’s tone, a refreshing shift towards hope and classic comic book sensibility, has resonated with many who sought a departure from the darker interpretations of recent superhero films.

While early projections for the film’s India box office were slightly higher, “Superman” still delivered a strong performance, securing an estimated Rs 25.50 crore (approximately $3.05 million USD at current exchange rates) over its opening weekend. This made it the third-biggest Hollywood opening weekend in India for 2025, outperforming local releases and demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Kryptonian hero in the region.

With a reported production budget of around $225 million, “Superman” has nearly recouped its costs in its opening weekend, signaling a positive trajectory for its theatrical run. Industry analysts are optimistic about its long-term prospects, particularly given the positive word-of-mouth and strong audience scores (reportedly an A- CinemaScore and high audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes).

The film’s success is a crucial first step for the new DC Universe, setting a promising precedent for future installments and affirming the creative direction under James Gunn. As “Superman” continues its flight in cinemas worldwide, all eyes will be on its sustained performance and its role in shaping the future of DC on the big screen.