Superman: James Gunn’s Reboot Takes Off Strong, Beats F1!

New Delhi:

James Gunn’s much-anticipated reboot Superman, starring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, has taken flight at the global box office with an impressive opening day, signaling a promising new era for DC Studios. Released across major territories on July 11, the film has delivered solid commercial performance, strong audience buzz, and a generally positive critical reception.

Box Office Performance, Day 1:

• India:
  Superman earned approximately Rs.7 crore net on its opening day across India, marking one of the strongest starts for a Hollywood release in 2025. It surpassed F1: The Movie and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan to secure the second-best Hollywood debut of the year in India, behind only Jurassic World Rebirth.

• Global:
  Worldwide estimates place the film’s Day 1 collection at over $70 million, with strong numbers from North America, the UK, Australia, and key Asian markets. The film is currently tracking toward a $200 million+ opening weekend globally, putting it on course to become the highest-grossing DC opening since The Batman (2022).

Audience Reception

The first wave of public feedback has been largely favorable:

This scene convinced me that David Corenswet is Superman pic.twitter.com/rIWVqfguZP

— That REDACTED Guy (@REDACTEDSpider) July 9, 2025

What’s Working:

1. Tone and Storytelling: Audiences appreciate Gunn’s optimistic, character-driven approach, which returns Superman to his roots as a symbol of hope.
2. David Corenswet’s Performance: Viewers are calling Corenswet a “natural fit” for the role, praising his charm, sincerity, and screen presence.
3. Emotional Core: Several viewers noted that the film focuses more on heart and identity than CGI spectacle, earning comparisons to Man of Steel but with a lighter spirit.

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Criticisms

1. A portion of the audience feels the film plays it too safe, lacking the edginess or surprise factor seen in recent superhero outings.The pacing in the second act received mixed reactions, with some calling it “slightly stretched” in a few character-building scenes.

Competition: How Superman Stands

• Beats:

1. F1: The Movie (opened at $60M globally)
2. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan (domestic Hindi hit, Rs.5.2 crore Day 1)

• Chasing:

1. Jurassic World Rebirth, which debuted to a monster $318 million worldwide and remains the benchmark for summer blockbusters in 2025.

Despite stiff competition, Superman has firmly staked its claim as one of the year’s biggest crowd-pullers.

Critical Snapshot

With word-of-mouth trending positively and no major Hollywood releases in the coming week, Superman is expected to maintain strong momentum through the weekend. A Rs.35–40 crore opening weekend in India and a $200–220 million global gross by Sunday look well within reach.

James Gunn’s Superman isn’t just a reboot it’s a revival. The film successfully blends classic DC optimism with a modern cinematic sensibility, and audiences seem ready to embrace this new chapter. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the return of the Man of Steel is shaping up to be one of the biggest movie events of the year.