Superman’s Thursday Preview Numbers Soar: James Gunn’s DCU Kicks Off with Record-Breaking Box Office

Superman’s Thursday preview numbers have set the box office ablaze, as James Gunn’s Superman (2025) launched with a historic $22.5 million in domestic previews on July 10, 2025.

Starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, this DC Universe reboot has shattered records and ignited excitement for its opening weekend. With glowing reviews and massive fan anticipation, the film is poised to redefine Superman’s cinematic legacy.

Let’s break down the preview performance, compare it to past Superman films, and explore what it means for the DCU’s future.

A Record-Breaking Start for the DCU

The $22.5 million haul from Thursday previews, including $2.8 million from Tuesday’s Amazon Prime screenings, marks the biggest preview night of 2025 and a personal best for director James Gunn.

This figure outpaces the previews of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ($17.5 million) and The Batman ($21.6 million), positioning Superman as a box office juggernaut. Fans flocked to premium formats like IMAX and Dolby, driving ticket sales across 60,000 global screens.

Highlights of Superman’s Thursday Preview Numbers:

• Preview Total: $22.5 million, the highest of 2025 and a record for James Gunn.

• Comparison: Beats Man of Steel ($9 million, 2013) and trails Batman v Superman ($27.7 million, 2016).

• Audience Reception: 95% Verified Hot on Rotten Tomatoes, the best audience score for any Superman film.

• Presales: $20 million before previews, surpassing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

• Global Reach: Expected to add $100 million internationally over the opening weekend.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The $22.5 million preview figure includes showtimes starting at 2 p.m. on Thursday and special Tuesday screenings for Amazon Prime members.

According to Deadline, this performance ranks as the third-best Thursday for a DC superhero film, behind The Dark Knight Rises ($30.6 million) and Batman v Superman ($27.7 million).

Posts on X from users like @IzumiChan691 noted the strong $22 million, contrasting it with Captain America: Brave New World’s $12 million, signaling robust fan demand.

The film’s 85% Certified Fresh critic score and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes have fueled positive word-of-mouth, critical for sustaining box office momentum.

How It Compares to Past Superman Films

To put Superman’s preview success in perspective, Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) earned $9 million in Thursday previews, leading to a $116.6 million opening weekend.

Superman Returns (2006) had a six-day opening of $84.5 million, with no specific Thursday figure reported.

Batman v Superman (2016), featuring Superman, holds the record for the biggest Superman-related preview at $27.7 million, driven by its Easter weekend release and dual-hero hype.

Gunn’s Superman outshines Man of Steel and Superman Returns, but its solo focus and post-pandemic context make the $22.5 million especially impressive.

Factors Driving the Success

Several elements contributed to the blockbuster previews. The film’s vibrant, comics-accurate take on Superman, with David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, has resonated with audiences.

Warner Bros.’ aggressive marketing, including character posters and a Superman: Fortnite tie-in, amplified hype. The trailer’s promise of a hopeful, non-origin story, coupled with a 2-hour-10-minute runtime, appealed to families and fans.

Advance ticket sales were strong, with 36,000 tickets sold in India’s top chains alone, per Pinkvilla. The film’s release in 78 international markets also boosted its global profile.

Challenges and Competition

Despite the strong start, Superman faces competition from Jurassic World Rebirth, which earned $12 million on Monday and is projected to add $35-45 million in its second weekend. Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps looms later in July, potentially impacting Superman’s staying power.

Some X posts, like @Starship_40’s, expressed concern about softer presales earlier in July, but the final $20 million in presales and positive reviews have quelled doubts.

Box Office Theory noted that family appeal in middle America could push the film toward higher projections if word-of-mouth remains strong.

What’s Next for Superman and the DCU?

With projections for a $130-150 million domestic opening weekend, Superman is on track to surpass Man of Steel’s $116.6 million debut and could challenge The Batman’s $134 million.

Globally, the film is expected to hit $230-250 million, per analyst Luiz Fernando on X, potentially recouping its $225 million budget quickly.

As the first theatrical release under Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios, Superman sets the tone for upcoming projects like Supergirl and Lanterns. Its preview success suggests audiences are ready for a fresh DCU vision.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Heroic Launch for a New Era

Superman’s Thursday preview numbers confirm its status as a box office titan, delivering James Gunn’s biggest opening yet and a promising start for the DC Universe. With stellar reviews, a stellar cast, and global buzz, the Man of Steel is soaring to new heights.

As the weekend unfolds, all eyes are on whether Superman can maintain its momentum and cement its place among DC’s biggest hits.

Share your thoughts on this epic launch in the comments and stay tuned for more box office updates!