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When you make a Superman movie, there are big expectations. He’s one of the most popular characters in the world, so anything less than a box office hit will be a major disappointment for Warner Bros. In fact, one industry expert is estimating that James Gunn’s attempt to reboot the DC Universe will need to bring in $700 million globally to be deemed a success.

That’s according to a recent report from The Wrap, which suggests that Superman will need to more than triple the amount of money it cost to make to be seen as a success, turning its $225 million budget into $700 million following its July 2025 release date. “The challenge is almost entirely a question of if Superman resonates with today’s audiences. Did they successfully update an Eisenhower-era character so the 2025 Gen Z audience can identify with him?”

As a reminder, most movies turn a profit after they double the money spent to make it to account for marketing and promotional costs. However, Superman is likely to bring in around the $500 million mark on name recognition alone. The extra $200 million would be a sign that it has adequately impressed audiences. It also accounts for the psychological victory of surpassing 2013’s Man of Steel, which grossed $670 million at the box office.

The good news is that the trailers for Superman have been pretty well received. The first one has been viewed over 250 million times, so clearly the hype is there. However, it will take more than that to see DC’s first movie of the James Gunn era as a success. It’s going to take earning the better part of a billion dollars at the box office to convince the studio that they can turn things around. 

James Gunn's Superman is flying into theaters soon enough, and Popverse has all you need to prepare. Refreshing your cinematic memory with our Superman movie watch order, learn what we know about the upcoming Superman movie, Superman's S-Shield through the ages, and read about what DC is doing ahead of their flagship hero's triumphant return.