Superman Scores $123M Domestic Opening Sets DC Record

James Gunn's 'Superman' has achieved a powerful $123 million domestic opening weekend, marking the second-best debut for a Superman film behind 'Batman v Superman' and the strongest opening for a first solo Superman installment. The film's opening surpasses the 2013 'Man of Steel' launch and represents Warner Bros.' second $100 million-plus debut of the year, contributing to a strong summer box office trend. Despite early speculation of a $140–150 million opening, the $123 million total is considered a major success, with no evidence that Gunn's political commentary about Superman as an immigrant impacted turnout, including in red-state theaters. Audiences have responded positively, awarding the film an A– CinemaScore and high recommendation rates, with strong demographic diversity and significant under-35 viewership. Critics have praised the film's heart, visuals, and performances, helping it maintain an 82% critic score and 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's lighter, optimistic tone and fresh marketing approach have helped distinguish it from previous Superman adaptations, positioning it as a promising start to DC Studios' new "Gods and Monsters" phase.