As James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman prepares for its theatrical flight on July 11, 2025, industry eyes are keenly watching its box office projections, particularly in comparison to the 2013 Henry Cavill-led Man of Steel. The question on everyone’s mind: can the new Man of Steel, David Corenswet, outdo his predecessor’s North American opening weekend of $116.6 million? The early numbers suggest a strong possibility.
According to the National Research Group (NRG), Superman is currently tracking for a domestic opening weekend in the range of $125 million to $145 million, with a central projection of $135 million. If these figures hold true, James Gunn’s reboot would comfortably surpass Man of Steel‘s debut. This would mark a significant win for DC Studios, which is undergoing a major reset under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership.
However, it’s worth noting that not all projections are quite as bullish. Some studio insiders and distribution sources are reportedly suggesting a more conservative opening range of $90 million to $125 million. Even at the higher end of this conservative estimate, Superman would still be in a position to potentially edge out Man of Steel.
The excitement around Superman is palpable. Early indicators, such as its Amazon Prime Early Access screenings breaking Fandango’s record for best first-day pre-sales in 2025, point to substantial audience interest. This pre-release buzz, coupled with a marketing campaign that has intensified in recent weeks, bodes well for its initial performance.
While Man of Steel ultimately grossed $670.1 million worldwide, launching the now-concluded DC Extended Universe, Superman carries the weight of establishing the new DC Universe. Its success, particularly in its opening weekend, will be crucial in setting the tone and building momentum for future DC projects.
It’s important to consider the competitive landscape. Superman will be entering a summer dominated by other major releases, including Jurassic World Rebirth and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Despite this, the current projections indicate that Superman is positioned to be one of DC’s strongest openers, potentially even becoming the second-highest DC debut domestically, only behind 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ($166 million).
The reported budget for Superman is a subject of some debate, with figures ranging from $225 million (after tax/incentives) to upwards of $363 million. Regardless of the exact figure, a strong opening weekend will be vital for the film to achieve profitability and provide a solid foundation for the new DC Universe.
All eyes will be on the box office numbers as Superman takes flight, eager to see if the Man of Steel can indeed reclaim his cinematic crown and usher in a new era for DC.