The showdown between Supermanfrom Zack Snyder and James Gunn took place at the global box office. The comparison between Man of Steel and DC's new film has already produced a clear winner.
James Gunn sought to establish the new DC Universe, but Snyder still holds the crown with numbers his successor couldn't reach.
El "Superman" de Zack Snyder y el de James Gunn
How did James Gunn's Superman perform?
Gunn's film started with positive reviews and a solid reception from the audience. In its first month, it grossed $594.5 million. This is a remarkable figure in a market dominated by streaming and with strong competitors such as Fantastic Four: First Steps or Jurassic World: The Rebirth.
Additionally, in the United States, it surpassed $300 million, positioning itself among the most successful productions of 2025. Warner has already confirmed that there will be a sequel and more films centered around the character.
Zack Snyder's unbeatable record
Snyder's Superman, released in 2013, accumulated $670.1 million at the global box office. The difference with Gunn lies in international performance. Man of Steel triumphed outside the U.S., while the new version received a cooler reception.
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Another key factor is the length of its theatrical run. During the DCEU era, the window in theaters was longer, which allowed Snyder to consolidate his film as the franchise's highest-grossing installment.
Who is the real winner?
Although the numbers favor Snyder, Gunn's Superman is not a failure. With nearly $600 million in just a few weeks, it became one of the few films able to compete on equal footing in 2025.
What is certain is that Gunn has already laid the groundwork for his plan. Upcoming projects such as Supergirl, Clayface, and the Lanterns series will set the course for the new DC Universe.
