‘Superman’ Earns $22.5M in Thursday Previews, Heads for $140M Opening Weekend

Warner Bros.’ reboot of Superman is off to a soaring start at the box office, collecting $22.5 million in Thursday night previews. It marks the best-ever preview performance for a Superman film and the third-highest Thursday opening for a DC movie.

The highly anticipated film, directed by James Gunn and produced by Peter Safran, is the first theatrical release under their new leadership at DC Studios. Starring David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film is projected to earn between $130 million and $140 million during its opening three-day weekend.

That range puts it in line with 2022’s The Batman, which grossed $134 million, and not far behind Batman v. Superman and The Dark Knight Rises, which opened to $166 million and $160 million respectively.

Industry analysts say the film's performance will be a key indicator of audience support for Gunn and Safran’s new 10-year vision for the DC Universe. Early reviews have been largely positive, with the film holding an 83% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Superman is being shown widely on premium screens, which are expected to boost ticket sales through the weekend. Analysts also suggest family turnout could give the film lasting strength at the box office throughout the summer.

This marks a hopeful new chapter for DC Films following a decade of mixed fan reception. As Gunn and Safran aim to re-establish DC's theatrical presence, the success of Superman could define the tone of the franchise’s future.