The new Superman reboot from director James Gunn opened big. It earned approximately $22.5 million in North America alone from Thursday previews—the highest for 2025 so far. It earned from approximately ₹5–7 crore net on Day 1 in India from English releases. Some will say this is already a special start.Instinctively, it feels like fans really came out to see it early. That’s the story in those packed theatres. They weren’t just excited—they were starved of something more meaningful. After so many crowded superhero films, this reboot is the view that is most relevant This way, STARVED FOR SOMETHING NEW.
Big Movie, Big Numbers, Big Feelings—Why it all matters
Box office news is ever blunt—numbers, numbers. But this one feels emotionally different. A reboot like this brings hope. Here’s why, as if these numbers are tied to the emotional return to a beloved franchise:
- Fans are ready for a hero with heart. Many are reporting that this Superman is more relatable.
- Hollywood is tracking the film closely, with budgets over $400 million, and this film NEEDS to work.
- India came out strong with the first-day love; ₹5-7 crore says a lot when competing with a celebrated Bollywood season.
That said, there is some concern if it will hold up over the weekend; or, was this just nostalgia fan excitement on Day1? That’s the ultimate test.
Superman Day 1 Box Office Collection Surprised Everyone
- Superman surpassed early 2025 numbers—like Barbie & Batman previews.
- $22.5 million for previews is impressive given weak preview numbers for the genre.
- That says something. People are willing to go out early, to see it with friends – and maybe cry with them.
Comic site cosmicbook.news even called it “the best preview total of 2025”, surpassing Lilo & Stitch and Captain America early numbers.
Interesting. This isn’t just another release. It feels like a moment.
@Arse_n_All_ on X:
“Good start for @Superman, Looking like a $4.5m Friday in the UK based on advanced sales and forecasts
That sums it up – previews are good, but the true measure of success is whether people will return.
Emotional Connection: Superman as Immigrant Story
This Superman isn’t just flying around. He is an alien, who is in the process of feeling more like an immigrant. Gunn says it out loud. That storyline is making people feel feelings. And especially now, at a time when there are global conversations happening about immigration everywhere.
Needless to say – it has engaged people:
- Some told they were “woke.”
- Some said it was a refreshing take on a superhero tale.
One Reddit comment said:
“What happened to us actually being happy about getting a superhero movie?… Everyone is fighting about Superman.”
That sums it: people want joy, not culture wars.
Superman Day 1 Box Office Collection in India
Early data from India says around ₹4.7–7 crore net at the box office. Shows sold out in Hyderabad and Kochi with about 13–15% occupancy elsewhere. For a Hollywood film in a crowded month, that’s strong.
Bullet points help to break it down:
- ₹4.7 cr estimated by early tracker Sacnilk
- Expected to cross ₹5 cr easily
- Competition from Maalik, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan—but still holding strong
That’s why analysts expect a ₹40 cr weekend total from India. That’s not small change.
Risks & Patterns: What Might Shake This
There are a few shadows over this flashy launch:
- Piracy hit fast. A full film leak hit torrent sites just hours after release. That might hurt weekend earnings.
- Mixed reviews. Some critics love it. Others say it’s too loud or “woke.” That could sway audiences.
- China’s turnout unclear. Without big numbers in China, the global total might stall.
Still, early reviews are solid—82% critics, 95% audience on Rotten Tomatoes. If word spreads fast, weekend could be massive.
What Could Surprise Us: Little Details Others Missed
- Fandango & Amazon prime presales were top of year. Many fans locked in seats early.
- A massive fan event in London earlier this month—pop‑up booths, public art, pushing hype.
- Budget levels matter. Movie cost around $225 million to make, plus up to $200 million marketing. That means it must hit big.
- Cultural moment angle. Superman’s immigrant lens reflects current global tensions. That might make him truly relevant—not just loud CGI.
These details matter. They show strategy, emotion, even a bit of risk.
The Weekend Ahead: Will the Magic Hold?
Here’s what to watch for:
- Will Friday–Sunday hold match previews?
- Will piracy hit after initial love?
- Will families bring kids? Or will it stay with hardcore fans?
If it holds above $100 million domestic weekend, that’s a win. But given the price tag, they’ll really want $130 million or more.
Final Thoughts: A Hero with Heart—Will It Save the Day?
This feels different. Not just bigger explosions. There’s emotion. Heart. A chance for Superman to connect with real people again. And for Hollywood to breathe a bit.
Sure, we’ll have to wait and see if numbers stay high. But that preview wave, that immigrant story, that buzz—it all adds up.
This isn’t just a movie. It’s a cultural moment. If audiences keep showing up, Sunday night could feel like Superman truly flew.
FAQs
What did Superman make on Day 1 previews?
It made roughly $22.5 million in North America during Thursday previews.
How much did Superman earn on Day 1 in India?
Early reports suggest ₹4.7–7 crore net from English screenings.
How does Superman preview revenue compare to others?
It topped 2025 previews, beating Barbie, Batman, and Lilo & Stitch.
Did the full movie leak online?
Yes, a pirated copy appeared on torrent sites just hours after release.
What’s Superman’s production and marketing cost?
Around $225 million for production and up to $200 million marketing.
What kind of story is Superman telling this time?
It reframes Superman as an immigrant, focusing on kindness, identity, and being “other.”
Are critics liking it?
Yes—about 82% critic score and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Can piracy hurt its earnings?
Absolutely—early leaks often hit second‑week numbers hard.