James Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie has soared to impressive heights, marking a fresh and optimistic chapter for the iconic superhero and the DC Universe at large. Released in early July, the film’s opening weekend grossed a robust $125 million domestically, surpassing the first weekend haul of 2013’s Man of Steel by nearly $10 million. This strong start was bolstered by a solid $13 million on its first Monday, edging out Man of Steel’s Monday by approximately $400,000. Globally, the movie has amassed nearly $250 million within five days, already outpacing its $225 million production budget and signaling a promising trajectory for profitability.
While Superman’s opening weekend was a notable success, it didn’t eclipse the record-setting debuts of other DC films, particularly Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which opened to $166 million domestically. When adjusted for inflation, Zack Snyder’s 2013 Man of Steel still holds a higher opening weekend figure at $162.2 million. Nevertheless, Gunn’s Superman stands out due to its glowing critical reception, boasting an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside an audience approval rating of 93%, a significant leap above Man of Steel’s middling 57% critic score.
The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan portraying Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult taking on the role of Lex Luthor. This fresh casting marks a departure from Henry Cavill, who previously embodied Superman in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League. Cavill’s portrayal was darker and more grounded, reflecting the tone set by Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy that preceded it. However, the new film embraces a brighter, more hopeful version of the hero, aligning more closely with the classic comic book spirit.
James Gunn’s approach to Superman also introduces a rich ensemble of DC Comics characters, including Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, Metamorpho, and of course, the notorious villain Lex Luthor. The movie’s storyline culminates in a surprising twist involving Ultraman, traditionally known as Superman’s villainous counterpart from the Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. Rather than fully adapting the classic Ultraman concept, Gunn blends two ideas: Lex Luthor’s cloning experiments and the Earth-3 Ultraman mythos, resulting in a clone of Clark Kent who acts as a remote-controlled antagonist. This creative choice, while inventive, left some fans wishing for a more faithful representation of Ultraman, which could have been powerfully portrayed by Henry Cavill himself.
Ultraman, created in 1964 by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky, is a dark mirror of Superman, with powers fueled by green kryptonite and a ruthless, mob-boss-like demeanor. This character stands as a perfect villainous foil to Superman’s truth and justice. Many fans saw Cavill’s previous portrayal of Superman as fitting for such a role, especially given his demonstrated villainous range in films like Mission: Impossible – Fallout. The notion of Cavill returning as Ultraman could have offered a thrilling multiverse angle, much like the CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, which successfully brought back Brandon Routh as an alternate Superman.
Despite the missed opportunity to cast Cavill as Ultraman, the new Superman film has been widely praised for its tone and storytelling. Collider’s Ross Bonaime described it as “one of the most optimistic, playful, ludicrous, and downright fun Superman films in decades, maybe ever.” The movie not only revitalizes the character but also sets the stage for the future of the DC Universe, including a planned spin-off titled Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock, scheduled for theatrical release in 2026.
The challenge for Gunn’s Superman was substantial. Unlike Man of Steel, which followed a lukewarm Superman Returns and had relatively little franchise baggage, this film had to navigate the mixed legacy of the DCEU. Over the past decade, many DC films have struggled with divisive receptions and superhero fatigue, as even Marvel’s once-reliable franchise has seen underwhelming performances. Against this backdrop, Superman’s strong opening and critical acclaim are particularly noteworthy.
Looking ahead, the film needs to reach around $700 million worldwide to be considered profitable, a target that seems achievable given its current momentum. The enthusiastic audience response suggests that Superman’s embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way still resonates deeply, even in a world that sometimes views kindness as old-fashioned.
Henry Cavill’s departure from the Superman role has sparked considerable fan interest in seeing him return to the DC fold in some capacity. Suggestions range from portraying an older Clark Kent in a potential Kingdom Come adaptation to taking on other major comic book roles like Captain Britain or Wolverine. The success of Gunn’s Superman could pave the way for such experimental projects, especially as multiverse storytelling gains popularity, offering avenues to revisit beloved actors and characters.
Ultimately, James Gunn’s Superman movie represents a hopeful new dawn for DC Studios. It balances respect for the character’s storied past with a fresh, vibrant vision that has captivated audiences and critics alike. With its strong box office performance, positive reviews, and promising spin-offs on the horizon, the Man of Steel’s latest cinematic chapter appears set to soar high and inspire a new generation of fans.
