“Superman” partial poster featuring David Corenswet.
James Gunn’s Superman starring David Corenswet is projected to open big, but not as big as long-range tracking first indicated.
Superman, of course, is the first film release under the auspices of Warner Bros.’ DC Studios co-CEOs Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn wrote and directed Superman, while Safran is one of the film’s producers.
The film — which reboots the studio’s DC Universe — is playing in Thursday previews this week before opening nationwide in theaters on Friday. Starring alongside Corenswet are Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
Superman also stars Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Mikaela Hoover, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell and the voice of Alan Tudyk.
On Tuesday, Variety forecasted an opening between $120 million and $130 million from 4,000 North American screens. The trade publication noted that Warner Bros. is being conservative with its opening weekend projection for the film and is forecasting a $100 million three-day bow.
Long-range tracking leader National Research Group (via The Hollywood Reporter) released its long-range forecast for Superman on June 18, projecting that the film would make anywhere from $125 million to $145 million in its first Friday-to-Sunday frame. Since then, THR noted on Tuesday, NRG has adjusted its forecast to a $130 million opening.
Variety reported that Superman has a $225 million budget before prints and advertising.
Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet in “Superman.”
‘Superman’ Is Riding A Big Wave Of Positive Publicity
If reviews or early audience reactions are influential in any way, then Superman has an embarrassment of riches going into the opening of James Gunn’s Superman.
Superman’s first big boost came Tuesday when the film’s review embargo lifted. As of this publication, Rotten Tomatoes critics gave the superhero adventure an 85% “fresh” rating from 189 RT critics.
Better yet, the film received a 96% “fresh” Popcornmeter score 1,000-plus from verified user ratings. Audiences — thanks to advanced press screenings and special Amazon Prime member paid screenings on Tuesday — gave moviegoers a chance to vote on RT’s Popcornmeter earlier than usual.
As such, the early access strategy has clearly paid off for Warner Bros., at least from the standpoint of positive pre-opening publicity.
Rated PG-13, Superman plays in Thursday previews and opens in theaters nationwide on Friday.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2025/07/09/superman-opening-projections-below-long-range-box-office-forecast/