‘Superman’ Thursday previews hit $22.5 million at box office

Introduction to the New Superman Film

Warner Bros. Discovery’s "Superman" has soared into cinemas, generating significant buzz and impressive box office numbers from its preview showings. The film, starring David Corenswet as Superman, is the first in the new era of DC films under the creative leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Box Office Performance

The movie snagged $22.5 million from preview showings, marking the third-best Thursday performance for a superhero flick under the DC banner. This impressive start positions it behind "The Dark Knight Rises," which secured $30.6 million in 2012, and "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," which tallied $27.7 million on its first Thursday in 2016. Notably, it’s the best preview numbers for a Superman film ever, surpassing "Superman: Man of Steel," which secured just $9 million in Thursday night preview tickets in 2013.

Expectations and Projections

"Superman" is expected to tally between $130 million and $140 million at the box office during its full three-day opening weekend. This range is on par with the 2022 release of Matt Reeves’ "The Batman," which took in $134 million. Only three DC films have performed better during their first three days in theaters — "Batman v. Superman" opened to $166 million, "The Dark Knight Rises" captured $160 million, and "The Dark Knight" brought in $158.4 million.

The New Era of DC Films

The success of "Superman" would be a good sign for the new era of DC under Gunn and Safran, who took over as co-heads of Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Comics film and TV unit in late 2022. They have developed a 10-year plan to reinvigorate its franchises across TV and film, including fresh spins on Superman and Batman. Both executives have experience with the superhero genre, having brought heroes from Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe to the big and small screens.

Critical Reception

Critics seem on board with the reboot, as the film currently holds an 83% "Fresh" rating from more than 300 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The film represents a tonal shift from the brooding era of DC films over the previous decade-plus, ushering in a new era for DC characters with thematically hopeful stories.

Conclusion

The new "Superman" film, starring David Corenswet, is off to a strong start, both in terms of box office numbers and critical reception. As the first theatrical project under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, its success is crucial for the future of DC films. With its hopeful tone and fresh take on the iconic character, "Superman" is poised to make a significant impact in the summer movie season.

FAQs

Q: Who stars in the new "Superman" film?

A: David Corenswet stars as Superman, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

Q: How much did "Superman" generate from preview showings?

A: The film generated $22.5 million from preview showings, the third-best Thursday performance for a DC superhero film.

Q: What are the box office projections for "Superman"?

A: The film is expected to tally between $130 million and $140 million during its full three-day opening weekend.

Q: What is the critical reception of "Superman"?

A: The film holds an 83% "Fresh" rating from more than 300 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a positive critical reception.

Q: Who are the creative leaders behind the new era of DC films?

A: James Gunn and Peter Safran are the co-heads of Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Comics film and TV unit, overseeing the new era of DC films, including "Superman".