Introduction to the DC Studios Test Case
The DC Studios test case has gotten off to a record start in 2025 with James Gunn’s "Superhuman". The preview of Warner Bros. has broken the earlier best preview record with $14.5 million, surpassing "Lilo & Stitch". This is also the top career-preview figure for Gunn, exceeding Marvel Studios’ $17.5 million for "Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 3" in 2023.
Box Office Predictions
The tent pole is expected to earn between $100 and $140 million in North America, based on Warner Bros. and tracking, and over $100 million for a global sheet of more than $200 million. This would be a solid start for a film that is reported to have a budget of $225 million.
Comparison to Previous Superman Films
The last time Superman had his own film was "Man of Steel" with Henry Cavill, which opened in June 2013 for $116.6 million. At the end of its run, "Man of Steel" had earned $291 million in North America and $379.1 million for a global total of $670 million.
James Gunn’s Involvement with DC Studios
As the director of the "Guardian of the Galaxy" trilogy for Marvel Studios, Gunn is now stuck in the DC Studios camp as the co-head of the studio alongside Peter Safran. A lot is riding on the studio’s "Superhuman" opening weekend as the first feature in the first pipeline of the company.
The Future of DC Studios
The goal is not only to build a solid basis to build franchise companies but also to reclaim DC’s position after years of largely below-average performance and flops such as the "Aquaman" and "Shazam" sequels in 2023. Both of these films were unable to dominate their predecessors and arch-rival Marvel Studios. The success of "Superhuman" is crucial for the future of DC Studios and its ability to compete with Marvel Studios.
