Warning! This article contains SPOILERS forSuperman.
Supermanhas broken a major box office mark, and it is just the kind of boost that the nextDC Universemovie needed for two very important reasons.James Gunn’s Superman movie might not be the breaking point for the franchise’s already finished projects, which would not be canceled if it did not fare well at the box office.
However,Supermanis the hero’s first solo movie in over a decade and the start of theDCU’s Chapter Oneon the film side. As such, DC Studios needed it to be a major hit, and, thankfully, all the faith put in the film is panning out. Before release,Gunn said that he would be happy ifSupermanmade back its budget.
Superman’s reported budget is $225 million. If the fate of theDCU’s future moviesand shows truly depended onSuperman’s box office, then DC has already secured that. WhileSuperman’s success is great for the franchise as a whole, there is one specific project that is being boosted by it. That happens to be the DCU’s next movie.
Superman’s Box Office Has Passed Every Other 2025 Superhero Movie
The DC Universe Starts Firing On All Cylinders
According toBox Office Mojo,Supermanis now at $510.8 million at the worldwide box officeat the time of writing. While the film still has some way to go before it could potentially takeMan of Steel’s crown as the highest-grossing Superman solo movie of all time, Gunn’sSupermanhas passedMan of Steel’s domestic total, leading at $296.7 million.
WhileSuperman’s box office run is already looking good when compared to the Man of Steel’s movie history, the film’s performance looks even better when looking at 2025’s other superhero entries.Supermanwas DC’s only theatrical release, withMarvel Studios adding three new movies this year:Captain America: Brave New World,Thunderbolts*, andThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
$200,500,001
$214,601,576
$415,101,577
$190,165,751
$192,162,589
$382,328,340
Superman (DC)- still in theaters
$296,742,483
$214,100,000
$510,842,483
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Marvel) - still in theaters
$142,255,382
$99,058,811
$241,314,193
As it currently stands, Marvel’s lowest-grossing movie of the year isThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsat $241.3 million, though that number will rise as the film only premiered in theaters last week.Thunderbolts*ended its box office run at $382.3 million. The first Captain America movie without Chris Evans fared a little better with $415.1 million.Supermanoutgrosses them all.
The only superhero movie released in 2025 that could still overtake the Man of Steel isThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
According to box office analystLuiz Fernando,James Gunn’s Superman movie is tracking to finish its global run in the $640-$700 million range. The only superhero movie released in 2025 that could still overtake the Man of Steel isThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, given thatSupermanopened with $2 million more worldwide and has better legs so far, that seems difficult.
The DCU’s Next Movie Is Boosted By Superman’s Box Office In Two Ways
The Hero Has Already Appeared In The DC Universe
WithSupermansoaring at the box office, leading all 2025 superhero movies, the DCU’s next film can only be helped by it. While any DC movie that followedSupermancould do with a boost due to the James Gunn movie’s positive performance, 2026’s first DCU film is certainly in a better place because of the project.That movie is Supergirl.
Gunn’s Superman movie endedwith a major surprise. After being cast before her Supergirl film was up and running, it was revealed that DC did so in order forMilly Alcock’s Supergirl to debut in a cameo role inSuperman. The movie confirmed that Supergirl was Krypto’s owner, teasing the story of her solo movie, with Kara’s drinking habits explained.
Any character who appears inSupermanis bound to get a boost in terms of audience interest going into the DCU’s future projects. Given how Supergirl is a major player and her cameo was a fun moment that gave the franchise its first interaction between the Super-cousins.2026’sSupergirlwill now have more eyes on it.
Supergirl being so closely connected to Superman, more so than any other DCU hero for now, is perfect for her solo movie’s chances at the box office. Fans of the Man of Steel’s movie are likely more inclined to show interest inSupergirlthan in a project likeClayface, DC’s R-rated Batman movie, which is quite an interesting bet for the studio.
The DCU Supergirl Movie Also Has Another Box Office Weapon
The Franchise Is Putting Multiple Exciting Characters In Each Project
Besides Supergirl’s cameo inSupermanand the movie’s successful run, Milly Alcock’s first DCU solo movie will have another card up its sleeve when it comes to its box office potential. That isformer Aquaman star Jason Momoa, who plays Lobo, a scene-stealing bounty hunter from the comics that should prove one of the film’s most talked-about elements.
When it comes to the box office, Momoa has been part of two major hits that could helpSupergirl.2018’sAquamanwas DC’s latest cinematic universe movie to break the $1 billion mark, with $1.15 billion (viaBox Office Mojo). In 2025, the actor played a major role in another film that nearly broke $1 billion,A Minecraft Movie.
The video game adaptation stands tall at $955.1 million, showing how Momoa continues to be a box office draw. With Supergirl’s boost from her cameo inSupermanand Momoa helping attract even more interest inSupergirl, I feel confident that the DCU’s next movie will have a healthy box office run.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
Supergirl
Supergirl will be the second movie in the DC Universe following Superman. The movie is set to follow Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, and will be inspired by the comic miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely.
