James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Flies Past $300M, Surpassing Zack Snyder’s ‘Man of Steel’

James Gunn has thrown the cape back into the ring, breathing
new life into Superman and turning a familiar legend into a cinematic event. Breaking
box office records and surpassing those who came before him, this new Superman
appears just when people need hope the most. In a pop culture era defined by
darkness and antiheroes, Gunn’s Superman shines as a rare beacon, challenging
us to rediscover what true heroism means.

As it soars past major box office milestones and redefines
what it means to be a symbol of light, this new Superman is not just winning hearts, but numbers too.

Superman surpasses Man of Steel

James Gunn’s Superman is soaring high, officially
crossing the $300 million mark at the domestic box office on Thursday. This
significant milestone makes it the first DC film to achieve this feat since
Matt Reeves’ The Batman in 2022. The film’s robust performance places it
among an elite group, becoming only the ninth DC movie in history to hit the
three-century mark in the U.S. and Canada, joining blockbusters like The
Dark Knight, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman.

More notably for the evolving DC cinematic landscape, James
Gunn’s Superman has now decisively surpassed its predecessor, Zack
Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel, which finished its domestic run with
$291 million. This achievement for the new Man of Steel also sees it fly
past 2017’s Justice League ($229 million), further cementing its success
as a standalone Superman outing and marking a strong start for the new
direction of DC Studios under Gunn’s vision.

The film’s success is not just in its numbers; it is deeply
rooted in a fresh, resonant take on the Man of Steel himself.

Beyond the Superman cape: A hero for times

Unlike characters burdened by trauma, such as Batman or
Spider-Man, Superman grapples with his unique internal struggle: how to balance
his immense power and personal desires against the needs and safety of
humanity. James Gunn’s rendition of the character makes this core conflict even
more relatable, presenting a hero simply striving to be good in a world
consumed by tragedy, cruelty, and division.

James Gunn’s Superman’s straightforward goodness,
which might appear simple, transforms into both a role model and a mirror for
audiences in 2025. According to Hollywood Reporter, James Gunn himself stated
that people are searching for heroes, for values of goodness, and for decent
human beings and qualities that Superman embodies. This pure, hopeful approach
offers a refreshing contrast to the often grim superhero narratives of recent
years, including Zack Snyder’s previous Superman films and the
psychologically burdened Marvel heroes, providing a much-needed optimistic
vision, which will also reflect in the developments of his other projects.

What do you think about the franchise’s new achievement? Let us know in the comments below.