James Gunn and Peter Safran’s all-new DC Universe has gotten off to a wonderful start. And the box office numbers are there to back it up. Superman is now the highest-grossing Superman movie of all-time domestically, surpassing Man of Steel.
In recent years, moviegoers have been wondering whether ‘superhero fatigue’ was going to set in. It certainly looked that way, especially with a well-documented drop-off in the quality (and box office performance) of MCU movies. But Summer 2025 has proven that there’s more than enough life left in superhero franchises.
It all started with Superman, ushering latest reboot of the DC Universe. Starring David Corenswet in the titular role, Superman debuted with a $125 million opening. The movie also grossed $24.8 million in its third domestic weekend, totalling $289.5 million in the North American market. The movie has now surpassed Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill. Superman has become seventh biggest third-weekend three-day total for a DC picture.
Speaking of numbers, Superman has also soared past Marvel Studios’ brilliant The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The arrival of Marvel’s first family saw earnings of $118 million across 4,125 theaters — not a bad return.
Seeing these movies making big money at the box office sparks an excellent new era for superhero storytelling. The MCU has entered its next phase, with its first Avengers movie since Endgame due to arrive in 2026. So too does DC feel rejuvenated. Both James Gunn and Peter Safran have high hopes for their franchise: a Supergirl movie with Milly Alcock is up next, with a Clayface flick also in the works.
Thank you to Deadline for providing box office numbers.
Which movie did you prefer? Superman or The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Tell us in the comments down below!
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