Supermanis neck and neck with another major film from the same studio. The superhero flick is a new DC Studios film from Warner Bros., which has been producing some big things this year. This includesSinners, a $90 million gamble that ended up becoming a huge box-office hit.
Warner Bros. pulled out all the stops forSuperman, spending an estimated $225 million according to reports. They also brought onJames Gunn, the legendary superhero film directorbehind hits such asGuardians of the Galaxyfor the MCU and DC’sThe SuicideSquadandPeacemaker.
As perThe Numbers,Supermanhas now outpaced another major Warner Bros. movie. That is,Supermanhas now usurpedF1: The Movie’s spot at the worldwide box office.Gunn’s superhero installment has grossed $594.4 million worldwide, which is higher thanF1’s $590 million total.
This also puts both movies close to the $600 million milestone. They currently stand as the no. 7 and no. 8 highest-grossing movies of the year at the worldwide box office so far.
What This Box Office Milestone Means For Superman
F1: The Moviewas also a major undertaking for Warner Bros. While the exact budget has been disputed, the movie cost somewhere in the $200 million zone. It cast megastar Brad Pitt in the lead role and also put Joseph Kosinski, the mastermind behind the legacy sequel filmTop Gun: Maverick,in the director’s chair.
This meant thatWarner Bros. was pouring a lot of resources into bothF1andSuperman,stocking them up with similar talent. As they both approach the $600 million mark, the gambles have appeared to pay off with these blockbuster films.
Supermanis also already available to watch at homefor purchase via VOD platforms. While this might mean a slowdown in its theatrical momentum, it gives the film a chance to generate revenue elsewhere even as it gradually leaves theaters.
Our Take On Superman’s Box Office Success
Superman’s near $600 million gross is proof that Warner Bros.' increasing theatrical focus is the right idea. Earlier this month, the company revealed that they plan to release 12 to 14 theatrical movies yearly, including movies fromDC Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Warner Bros. Animation.
The recent success of bothSupermanandF1: The Movie, as well as that ofSinnersandWeapons, shows that Warner Bros. can dominate with this theatrical strategy across multiple divisions. It has been a great year for the studio so far, and even if the more reliable superhero fare beats out Kosinski’sF1, both will have had a great run.
