The new era of DC has officially been released. The first chapter in James Gunn’s rebooted film universe, Superman has grossed US$217 million at the global box office. This includes US$122 million from domestic audiences.
This is an encouraging result for the reboot of a high stakes franchise, which aims to set the tone for a new interconnected DC universe. The film began international development on July 9th, drawing around US$95 million overseas on its first territory. The current rotten tomato score is 83% from critics and 93% from viewers, so early reception suggests that the reboot hit a chord.
What does Superman need to do to be considered a success?
The studio has not revealed official profitability goals, but estimates suggest that Superman will need to gross at US$700 million ballparks around the world to be considered a clear victory. The reported production budget is US$225 million after tax incentives, with some reports citing marketing costs of approximately US$200 million. Some insiders have pointed to break-even thresholds between US$560 million and US$675 million.
However, director and co-head of DC Studios James Gunn pushed back what he saw as expectations. In star David Corenswet’s recent GQ profile, Gunn said, “This isn’t the most dangerous effort in the world. Is there anything riding on it? Yeah, but not as big as people do. They hear these numbers succeed.
Nevertheless, the Wall Street Journal reports that Warner Bros. is satisfied with a global total of over USD 500 million.
Also Read – “Superman” Movie Review: The Beginning of James Gunn’s Uneven and Promising New DC Universe
James Gunn responds to the opening of the film
Over the weekend, Gunn worked on the early box office and warm reception in a message to fans on the thread. “I am extremely grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days,” he writes. “We’ve had a lot of ‘super’ over the years to Superman. I’m pleased to have made a film that focuses on the “man” part of the equation. Kind people are always looking for someone in need.
The film’s emotional tone and human focus is a recurring topic of reviews, many of which praise Corenswet’s grounded take on the character. He stars as Lois Lane on the other side of Rachel Brosnahan, with Nicholas Holt as Lex Luther and Isabella as Hawk Girl.
A promising start to reboot the DC Universe
It remains to be seen whether Superman will ultimately soar to the financial heights he needs, but Warner Bros. and DC Studios may be sighing at ease with relief. The film’s strong start comes amid a dull year for Hollywood, giving Gunn’s rebooted DC universe a much needed early victory, not just numbers, but tone, reception and new audience interest.
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