Although the figures don’t come from Warner Bros themselves, if confirmed then Superman stands to be the second-best opening for a Superman movie overall, coming in behind 2016’s Batman v. Superman which grossed $166 million.
It also stands to be the the best opening for a Superman-first franchise instalment ahead of 2013’s Man of Steel and – in more good news for director James Gunn – would be his second-best opening for a movie behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
So, an all-round success, it seems.
A major step in the right direction for Gunn’s DCU, initial reviews for the film already pointed at Superman having won over sceptics. With a Rotten Tomatoes score that currently sits at 82 per cent, based on 349 reviews, plenty have admired Gunn’s ability to breathe new life into a long-beloved character.
The current top-grossing Batman v. Superman saw Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill take on the leading roles and was a follow-up to Man of Steel, also acting as the first live-action film to feature both characters together.
Although Superman is a fictional superhero that many know and love, Gunn had previously predicted that some viewers will take the film’s message about “human kindness” as “an offence”, telling The Sunday Times that it is “the story of America”.
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He said: “An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.
“It’s about human kindness, and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.”
The first live-action solo outing for the superhero since 2013’s Man of Steel, Superman features an all-star cast including Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan, as well as a brief cameo appearance for Milly Alcock’s Supergirl.
Superman is now playing in cinemas nationwide.
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