Superman opens to a potential $122 million domestic and a somewhat disappointing $95 million overseas for a $217 million start. While those numbers don't seem too impressive, it's the highest for Superman -- in history. Even internationally, Man of Steel opened to just $72 million.
The $122 million opening domestically may even increase once the final numbers are in. Many analysts are saying Superman did $38 million on Saturday, an increase of 17% from Friday (when previews are removed).
David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, couldn't be happier with the box office results, going on record to champion the numbers, James Gunn, and the new 10-year plan for the DCU.
Zaslav said:
Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world,” Zaslav said on Sunday of “Superman’s” opening weekend. “James and Peter’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired.” In his bid to match the commercial success of Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, Zaslav was searching for a Kevin Feige-like figure to reinvigorate the perpetually floundering DC. Studios. He recalled his first meeting with Gunn, who directed “Superman” while overseeing the studio in flux with Safran. Zaslav says he knew Gunn, best known for directing Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, was the best person to helm the rebooted universe’s first feature because he spoke about the DC characters, “they were like his family.”
"This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step,” Zaslav said. “Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Clayface’ in theaters and the series ‘Lanterns’ on HBO Max, all part of a bold 10-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
It seems that the opening weekend isn't the end-all, be-all for Superman and WBD. The reception from the movie (94% on RottenTomatoes) indicates the audience sticking around over the summer. Some analysts are projecting Superman to gross anywhere from $300 to $350 million domestically, which would make Superman the highest-grossing movie to feature the Man of Steel--ever.
A potential 17% climb from Friday indicates that the cinema goers are impressed with the WOM and could indicate strong legs for Superman. However, he needs to make the most in the next 11 days before Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives. Maybe the two movies can co-exist at the box office, but that remains to be seen.
Superman, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, is in theaters everywhere.
Credit to Variety for the David Zaslav quote.