Superman (2025) Opening Weekend Box Office Figures: How James Gunn’s Latest Compares to His Past Hits

A Super Launch for Gunn’s DC Era

James Gunn’s Superman blasted into theaters with a colossal $217 million global debut, marking a pivotal moment for DC Studios. The Superman (2025) opening weekend box office figures, reported by Box Office Mojo, include $122 million domestically and $95 million internationally. But how does this stack up against Gunn’s previous films? Let’s dive into the numbers, compare his past blockbusters, and see where the Man of Steel lands in Gunn’s box office legacy!

Box Office Highlights:

• Superman Global Total: $217 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo.

• Domestic Haul: $122 million (56.2%) across 4,135 U.S./Canada theaters.

• International Take: $95 million (43.8%) from 78 markets on 50,000+ screens.

• Opening Day: $56.5 million domestically, second-biggest of 2025.

• Audience Reception: 95% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, A- CinemaScore.

A Record-Breaking Start for Superman

Superman’s $122 million domestic opening is Gunn’s biggest ever, surpassing his previous high of $118.4 million for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).

The film’s $22.5 million in Thursday previews also set a career-best for Gunn, topping Vol. 3’s $17.5 million.

Globally, Superman’s $217 million debut outshines all of Gunn’s prior films, driven by a strong U.S. performance and a solid international showing, despite competition from Jurassic World Rebirth.

Fans on X are buzzing, with posts praising the “heartfelt, fun” vibe and David Corenswet’s “perfect” Superman.

How Does Superman Compare to Guardians?

Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is his box office benchmark. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) opened to $94.3 million domestically and $173.2 million globally, while Vol. 2 (2017) debuted with $146.5 million domestically and $262.1 million worldwide.

Vol. 3 (2023) earned $118.4 million domestically and $213.2 million globally. Superman’s $122 million domestic haul beats Vol. 1 and Vol. 3 but falls short of Vol. 2’s domestic high.

Globally, Superman’s $217 million edges out Vol. 3 and Vol. 1 but trails Vol. 2’s $262.1 million, largely due to Vol. 2’s stronger international draw ($115.6 million vs. Superman’s $95 million).

Suicide Squad and Smaller Hits

Gunn’s The Suicide Squad (2021), a soft reboot for DC, opened to a modest $26.2 million domestically and $72.2 million globally, hampered by a hybrid HBO Max release and pandemic-era restrictions. Superman dwarfs this, benefiting from a theatrical-only launch and stronger buzz (82% Rotten Tomatoes vs. Suicide Squad’s 90% but lower audience turnout).

Earlier Gunn films like Slither (2006, $3.9 million opening) and Super (2010, $46,549 opening) were indie projects with niche appeal, making Superman’s blockbuster performance scale a different beast entirely.

What Boosted Superman’s Numbers?

Superman’s success stems from its A- CinemaScore, 95% Popcornmeter score, and Gunn’s lighter, optimistic tone, contrasting Zack Snyder’s darker Man of Steel ($116.6 million domestic opening).

The film’s 4,135 domestic screens, including IMAX, and 50,000+ global screens maximized reach. However, its $95 million international take lagged behind Vol. 2, possibly due to its “American” ethos, as some analysts note.

X posts speculate the $225 million budget could break even around $500 million, a feasible target with strong word-of-mouth.

Can Superman Sustain Its Flight?

With Fantastic Four arriving July 25, Superman faces a crowded summer. Its domestic hold is projected at -50% for weekend two, similar to The Batman (-50%) and better than Vol. 2 (-56%).

If it mirrors Vol. 3’s $357.1 million domestic total, it could hit $300 million in the U.S. alone. Gunn’s track record suggests staying power, but international growth will be key to topping Vol. 2’s $869.1 million global run.

Will the Man of Steel outfly Gunn’s past hits? Head to theaters, grab some popcorn, and let us know your thoughts below!