Superman is flying into theaters this weekend with huge expectations, ready to break box-office records and launch the DC Universe into a thrilling new era. Directed by James Gunn, the film has generated tremendous buzz since the release of its record-breaking trailer, and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes praising its heartfelt storytelling and optimistic tone.
The film is projected to open with an impressive domestic debut of $115 million to $135 million, potentially surpassing Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel ($116 million in 2013) and becoming the biggest solo Superman movie opening ever, though still trailing behind Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’s $166 million debut in 2016. With sold-out premium-format screenings and Gunn’s fresh vision revitalizing the iconic hero, Superman is poised to dominate the box office this weekend.
A key factor behind this success is Gunn’s unique, heartfelt approach to Superman’s character, alongside a massive marketing campaign and a star-studded cast featuring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The story explores Superman’s struggle to reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, as he faces a world skeptical of his ideals of truth, justice, and the human way. Rated PG-13, the film runs for two hours and nine minutes.
This release marks Gunn’s first major project in the DC Universe since he and Peter Safran took over Warner Bros.’ superhero division in 2022. Fans can also look forward to future projects like the upcoming HBO series Lanterns and Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl film, both slated for 2026.
Box Office Competition
Holding strong in second place is Jurassic World Rebirth, entering its second weekend with a solid audience but expected to see a decline due to Superman’s overwhelming debut. The latest dinosaur installment opened with $92 million over the July 4th weekend and is forecasted to add another $40 million this weekend, pushing its domestic total past $200 million. Despite some franchise fatigue and mixed reviews (53% on Rotten Tomatoes), the dinosaur appeal keeps it a favorite for families and action fans.
Meanwhile, F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, continues to perform well in its third weekend. The racing drama has surpassed $112 million domestically and $300 million worldwide, with another $13 million expected this weekend. Though it faces tough competition for premium screens from Superman, its strong word of mouth and appeal to older audiences make it a steady box-office performer.
Rounding out the top five are Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon and Disney/Pixar’s Elio, expected to earn $6.5 million and $4 million, respectively.
Gold Derby Predictions
According to Gold Derby readers and oddsmakers, the expected top five box office rankings for July 11-13 are:
See More ...
-
Superman
-
Jurassic World Rebirth
-
F1: The Movie
-
How to Train Your Dragon
-
Elio
Do you agree with these predictions? Join the discussion and make your own box office forecasts in Gold Derby’s forums.
