James Gunn’s 'Superman' becomes first superhero film of 2025 to cross $600 million globally

James Gunn’s Superman has become the first superhero film of 2025 to surpass the $600 million mark at the global box office, marking a major milestone for the newly launched DC Studios under Gunn and Peter Safran. The film hit the benchmark early Friday after closing Thursday with $599.6 million in worldwide earnings — $343.6 million from North America and $256 million from international markets.

Despite the achievement, Superman faces the challenges of an overall struggling superhero genre. While it holds the title of the year’s top-grossing comic book adaptation, the genre continues to suffer from so-called “superhero fatigue,” affecting audience enthusiasm and international performance.

With a production budget of at least $225 million, excluding marketing costs, Superman is the first title released under Gunn and Safran’s leadership as they work to revitalize the DC brand following a string of underperforming titles including The Flash, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Blue Beetle, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Gunn not only directed the film but also helped shape its narrative direction as part of the DC Universe overhaul.

Critically acclaimed and well-received by audiences, Superman has also outperformed Marvel Studios' 2025 releases. Titles like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Thunderbolts, and Captain America: Brave New World have struggled to maintain momentum despite strong early reception.

Superman is the first DC title to cross $600 million since The Batman (2022) and the first within the DCEU to do so since Aquaman (2018). The film opened with over $100 million domestically — the first superhero film to do so since Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.

Directed by Gunn, the film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, among a broader ensemble cast. Despite foreign box office challenges, the film currently ranks as the sixth highest-grossing global release of 2025.