James Gunn’s Superman has officially outpaced The Flash, hitting $272.7 million globally just seven days after its worldwide release. The DCU reboot faced a steep challenge after the lukewarm conclusion of the DCEU, with many fans skeptical about yet another big-screen interpretation of the Man of Steel. However, Gunn’s take on Superman box office 1 week has not only exceeded box office expectations but also brought renewed excitement to DC Studios’ future.
According to TheNumbers, Superman is already $1.3 million ahead of The Flash, surpassing the latter’s entire theatrical run in only a week. It has also outperformed other DCEU entries like Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman 1984, The Suicide Squad, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Blue Beetle — cementing its place as a major comeback for the franchise.

What This Box Office Surge Means for DC Studios
This milestone positions Superman as the tenth highest-grossing modern DC movie, with clear potential to climb further. Next in its sights are:
- Shazam! – $365.9M
- Black Adam – $393.5M
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom – $440.1M
- Justice League – $661.3M
- Man of Steel – $667.9M
- Suicide Squad – $749.2M
Though reaching Aquaman’s $1.148 billion record might be ambitious, projections suggest Gunn’s Superman could challenge Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ($874.3M) and even rival fan favorites like Wonder Woman ($822.9M) and The Batman ($772.5M).
Why This Superman Resonates
Gunn’s interpretation brings a human-first approach, focusing on Clark Kent’s compassion and hope rather than just his powers. Audiences have embraced the film’s lighter, more heartfelt tone — from its classic red-trunks design to Superman’s emphasis on saving every bystander during epic battles.

The film also signals a new creative direction for DC Studios. By successfully reintroducing the Man of Steel for a modern audience, Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran are laying the groundwork for the DCU’s ambitious 10-year plan. Upcoming projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Clayface, and the Lanterns series are poised to benefit from this renewed momentum.
Our Take: A Promising Future for the DCU
Superman box office 1 week shows that audiences are still deeply connected to the character. In an era where superhero fatigue is often cited, Gunn’s vision proves there’s space for stories centered on kindness, hope, and classic heroism.
This success gives confidence that even lesser-known DC characters could thrive under the new creative leadership. As the DCU moves forward, Superman stands as a beacon — not just for box office success, but for storytelling that reconnects with the heart of the superhero genre.