Superman Still Flying High, but Can He Outmatch the Fantastic Four?

James Gunn’s Superman has proven to be more than just a reboot—it’s a box office revival for DC Studios. In its first 2 weeks, the film has soared past expectations, delivering impressive numbers both in the U.S. and abroad. It has earned $235 million domestically, holding strong in its second weekend, dropping only 54% to bring in $57.2 million, a better-than-expected hold for a superhero film.

The film now ranks as the biggest domestic hit for DC since Aquaman in 2018. It has already surpassed the lifetime domestic total of Justice League ($230M) and Thunderbolts ($189M). Overseas, Superman brought in $171.8 million, bringing its global total to $406.8 million all while the film faced challenges in some international markets due to Superman’s strong American identity, but still managed solid numbers in Latin America and parts of Europe. Top international markets include: UK: $9.8M, Mexico: $8.8M, Brazil: $5.9M, Australia: $5.3M and France: $4.2M.

But arriving in cinemas this weekend is Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps which is already making waves with critics and audiences alike. The film has debuted with an 88–89% Rotten Tomatoes score—higher than Superman’s current 83%—and is being hailed as the franchise’s first genuinely well-reviewed entry in a very long time. Early projections still estimate a strong $125 to $145 million domestic opening, with very positive word-of-mouth. With Fantastic Four poised for a major box office debut and critical momentum, industry watchers are eager to see if Superman can maintain its dominance, or if Marvel’s newest heroes are about to unseat DC’s flagship title just two weeks into its run. We may see a heated contest for the top spot at the summer box office after all. 

With a reported $225 million production budget, Superman is on track to recoup costs and potentially reach $600–700 million globally. It has already outgrossed Marvel’s Thunderbolts ($383M) and is closing in on Captain America: Brave New World ($415M). Studio insiders project a domestic finish between $350M and $400M, with international markets expected to contribute further as word-of-mouth spreads. The film’s success has reignited interest in Superman across platforms: Man of Steel viewership surged on HBO Max. Christopher Reeve’s Superman: The Movie and the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story saw massive streaming spikes. Even Peacemaker Season 1 got a boost, showing the ripple effect across DC content.

In just 2 weeks, Superman has not only proven its box office muscle but also reestablished the character as a global icon. With strong legs and a clear runway before Fantastic Four arrives, the Man of Steel is flying high—and the future of DC looks brighter than ever.

via Deadline