James Gunn's Superman has scored a major box office victory in its domestic opening weekend, setting up a promising future for the DCU franchise.
The new film is not just an introduction of the Man of Steel for the new generation. It also marks the official debut of the DCU franchise on the big screen and relaunches the brand as a formidable comic book property once again.
How Much Did Superman Gross in Domestic Opening Weekend?
Reports confirmed that Superman opened with an impressive $122 million at the domestic box office, putting it at the top spot of the charts
Globally, it has already grossed around $217 million, and it is also the number one film in some countries worldwide. The production budget is reportedly at around $200-225 million.
This is a much-needed win for Warner Bros. and DC Studios as the film relaunches the new DCU franchise, and it sets up a promising path for its future in the next few years.
It remains to be seen whether the film will have a direct sequel, but this is a sign that DC Studios will likely develop a follow-up very soon, as this performance proves that the general audience is embracing the new Man of Steel.
The question now is how the film will perform at the box office in the long run and whether it manages to cross the billion-dollar mark, an achievement that a Superman movie has never done (without adjusting for inflation).
What is the Future of DCU After Superman?
In a statement, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav touted the success of Superman and what it means for the future of DCU.
"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," he said.
"James and Peter’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired."
Zaslav also teased that DC Studios has a "bold" ten-year plan for the franchise.
"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," he 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."
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