Superman has taken the box office by storm, grossing an impressive $250 million worldwide since its release on July 11. The latest iteration of the Man of Steel, portrayed by David Corenswet, has resonated well with both fans and critics alike. The film boasts an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 93% audience rating, indicating strong initial reception. However, a deeper analysis of the box office figures reveals a concerning trend that could impact the future of the DC Universe (DCU).
According to a new report from Variety, Warner Bros. has expressed mixed feelings regarding Superman's international box office performance. While the film has undoubtedly made waves in the United States, it appears to have encountered its kryptonite overseas. Out of the staggering $250 million gross, $155 million was earned domestically, leaving only $95 million from international markets. While this may seem like a solid performance for many films, Warner Bros. is counting on Superman to exceed average expectations to serve as the cornerstone for the future of the DCU.
Warner Bros.' overall reaction to Superman's box office take was described as "Good enough." However, one box office analyst noted that for Superman to be recognized as one of the biggest summer blockbusters and to successfully reset an entire universe, the film needed to deliver a stronger debut. As the coming weeks unfold, it will be essential to monitor how well the film maintains its box office presence.
As of now, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are charging ahead with their plans for the future of the DCU. The next film, Supergirl, has just released its first poster, with expectations for a teaser trailer to drop in the upcoming weeks. Scheduled for a theatrical release next June, Supergirl aims to build on the momentum generated by Superman. Additionally, DC Studios has fast-tracked a standalone project for Wonder Woman, although details surrounding this project remain scarce.
Despite Superman's successful opening weekend in the US, the film faces considerable challenges in the weeks ahead. A recent report from Deadline anticipates a significant drop in box office sales, projecting a $60 million take for the upcoming weekend, which would represent a staggering 52% decrease from its initial opening. While this decline is notable, it would be premature to label Superman as a failure, as the film is expected to retain its position as the No. 1 movie at the box office during this time.
As fans and Warner Bros. eagerly await the film's performance, a key question looms: Will Superman cross the $1 billion mark during its theatrical run? Achieving this milestone could pave the way for DC Studios to greenlight an array of new projects, further expanding the DCU. For now, Superman is still screening in theaters, and its future remains uncertain yet promising.
