‘Superman’ Stays Strong With $57.3M in Second Weekend

James Gunn’s Superman is turning out to be the kind of win DC really needed.

Despite facing the usual second-weekend drop, the film still managed to pull in a solid $57.3 million at the North American box office, easily holding onto the #1 spot. And honestly, that says a lot about the film’s staying power — especially when you consider how many blockbusters fade fast after opening night.

Fans are loving it, critics are (mostly) on board, and Warner Bros. finally seems to be back in the superhero game after a string of misfires.

Two Weeks In: Superman Still Soars

So far, Superman has already raked in $406.8 million globally, and we’re only two weeks in. For a movie with a $225 million budget, that’s a strong start — and it’s exactly the momentum DC Studios hoped for when they handed the keys to James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Let’s be real — DC had lost some of its shine over the past few years. But with Superman, it feels like things are turning around. The movie has heart, energy, and most importantly, a clear vision.

Here’s Why It’s Working:

Fans are connecting – There’s actual emotion behind the action.

Fresh direction – Gunn’s storytelling balances classic superhero tropes with modern appeal.

Word-of-mouth magic – People are coming back for repeat viewings and telling their friends.

The Competition Didn’t Stand a Chance

A few new movies hit theaters this weekend — but let’s just say none of them came close to Superman’s box office strength.

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” Reboot Struggles

This one had some nostalgic appeal and a modest budget, but still only managed $13 million in its debut. Reviews weren’t kind (38% on Rotten Tomatoes), and even audiences weren’t impressed — the film scored a “C+” on CinemaScore, which is never a great sign.

Set nearly 30 years after the original, the reboot just didn’t do enough to stand out in a crowded market — especially with Superman flying high.

“Smurfs” Reboot Misses the Mark

Even with Rihanna voicing Smurfette, the newest Smurfs movie opened with just $11 million. Critics gave it a harsh 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, though families were a bit kinder with a “B+” CinemaScore. Still, with a $58 million budget, this one will need serious help overseas to turn a profit.

“Eddington” Is a Mixed Bag

Ari Aster’s latest film — a pandemic-era Western starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal — had a tough start, opening with only $4.2 million. Like his last project Beau Is Afraid, Eddington is proving to be more of a cult favorite than a box office hit. Audiences gave it a so-so “C+”, and the critical response has been… let’s say, polarizing.

Other Films Still Holding Their Ground

While Superman leads the charge, a few other films are still drawing crowds.

“Jurassic World: Rebirth” Hangs On

In its third weekend, Jurassic World: Rebirth earned $23.4 million, holding onto the #2 spot. With $648 million in global earnings so far, this latest dino adventure (starring Scarlett Johansson!) proves that there’s still a lot of love for the franchise.

Brad Pitt’s “F1: The Movie” Still Has Legs

In its fourth week, F1 brought in another $9.6 million domestically and $29.5 million internationally. That brings its global total to a very respectable $460.8 million. Not bad for a movie that had modest expectations at first.

Why This Superman Movie Matters More Than Ever

This isn’t just a box office win — it’s a massive turning point for DC Studios.

After years of rushed releases and inconsistent storytelling, Superman feels like the studio finally hit the reset button — in the best way possible. Under the new leadership of Gunn and Safran, DC is aiming for a complete cinematic reboot, and this movie is their first major test.

And so far? They’re passing with flying colors.

What’s Next for the DC Universe?

Upcoming titles: Supergirl and Clayface are on deck for 2026.

Connected storytelling: Expect a more Marvel-style shared universe, but with DC’s own flavor.

All eyes on Marvel’s next move: With Fantastic Four: First Steps launching next weekend, we’ll soon see how DC stacks up against its biggest rival.

Box Office Numbers: The Top 10 This Weekend

Here’s how the domestic box office looked from Friday through Sunday:

Rank	Movie	Weekend Earnings
1	Superman	$57.3 million
2	Jurassic World: Rebirth	$23.4 million
3	I Know What You Did Last Summer	$13 million
4	Smurfs	$11 million
5	F1: The Movie	$9.6 million
6	How to Train Your Dragon	$5.4 million
7	Eddington	$4.3 million
8	Elio	$2 million
9	Lilo & Stitch	$1.5 million
10	28 Years Later	$1.3 million

A Summer of Comebacks: The 2025 Box Office Bounce

So far, summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s best in recent years. According to Comscore:

Domestic summer box office is up 15.9% over last year.
Year-to-date numbers are 15% higher than 2024.
Total domestic summer earnings have hit $2.6 billion and climbing.

Clearly, audiences are excited to be back in theaters — and they’re hungry for blockbusters that deliver.

3 Lessons DC Can Learn from Superman’s Success

To keep this winning streak going, here’s what DC should keep doing:

1. Stay True to the Characters

Gunn’s Superman feels modern but still honors the core of who Clark Kent is. That balance matters to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

2. Hire Creatives with Vision

Let filmmakers take the lead. Micromanaging every detail hasn’t worked in the past — trust the storytellers.

3. Build Slow and Smart

Instead of rushing to catch up with Marvel, DC can carve its own path with focused, character-driven storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Superman’s Return Is a Super Win

After years of uncertainty, Superman is proving to be more than just a good movie — it’s a symbol of DC’s comeback. The film’s second-weekend performance shows it’s not just a one-week wonder.

With over $400 million in global earnings, fans excited about what’s next, and Marvel looking over its shoulder, this could be the start of a whole new era.

We don’t know how things will play out in the months ahead, but for now, the verdict is clear:

The Man of Steel is back — and better than ever.

FAQs

Q1: Is James Gunn’s Superman connected to past DC movies?

No, this is a complete reboot. It’s a fresh start for the DC Universe, separate from previous versions like Henry Cavill’s Superman or Zack Snyder’s Justice League.