ALBAWABA - Superman flies high with a record-breaking global box office debut.
Warner Bros./DC's Superman earned $21.5M from 78 international countries on Friday. This puts the offshore flying total at $40M through Friday.
Friday's domestic figure brings the global total to $96.5M. We still have Saturday and Sunday overseas, but domestic is leaning deeper toward this latest Man of Steel.
Superman, directed by James Gunn, is predicted to gross $210M+ globally. This is slightly higher than before the weekend, but Sat/Sun play could change that.
Fandango Instagram profile
\Asia is soft; thus, Superman faces challenges there. This should not be surprising. We have recognized that Korea is a poor market and that Clark Kent was unlikely to succeed in China.
For reference, the UK launched Friday with $3.6M, a clear No. 1 with 66% of the Top 5 flicks. This tops all comps.
China made $2.4M until Friday, including sneaks. Superman's market failure is expected. The ultimate full-run prediction is slightly over $11M. As is known, it does.
Superman Instagram profile
In good news, Spain launched Friday at $1M at No. 1—Gunn's biggest debut—7% higher than Justice League, 29% higher than Aquaman, 77% higher than Wonder Woman, and 106% higher than Thunderbolt.
Japan, eagerly awaiting the upcoming Demon Slayer movie next week, started well with $781K, surpassing comparisons.
Through Friday, Mexico ($3.8M), the UK ($3.6M), Brazil ($3M), Australia ($2.5M), and France ($2.5M) are the Top 5.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 07: James Gunn (Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach / Getty Images via AFP)
Previous Friday: DC/Warner Bros.' Superman grossed $40.3 million in North America and 57 foreign territories through Wednesday and Thursday. The movie's first two days of overseas release have brought in $17.8M, while Thursday night's domestic previews brought in a record $22.5M.
France opened at No. 1 on Wednesday with $1.3M with previews and ahead of a long Bastille Day weekend, 3% higher than Thunderbolts and 8% higher than the most recent Venom and Aquaman films. The come-through on Thursday is $1.8M.
On Wednesday, Korea, a weak market, opened at $700,000. That was No. 1, level with Guardians of the Galaxy and ahead of Thunderbolts and Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom. IMAX took 18% of the box office from 26 sites. The estimated $1.7M Korea cume through Friday is not included in the international and global totals.
US actress Rachel Brosnahan and US actor David Corenswet (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP)
Italy's $519K Wednesday opening was No. 1, on par with Justice League, 2% bigger than Man of Steel, 51% ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy, 97% bigger than Wonder Woman, and 159% higher than Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom.
Indonesia had a $462K No. 1 start on Wednesday, matching Thunderbolts and beating GOTG1 & 2, Man of Steel, The Batman, and Top Gun: Maverick.
Supes led the Philippines on Wednesday with 78% market share. The $386K opening day was 22% higher than Mission: Impossible, 29% higher than Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom, and 31% higher than Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Thursday, heavyweights spoke. Example: Mexico debuted at No. 1 with $2.2M. DC's second-biggest opening day is comparable to The Batman.
Australia's $1.3M No. 1 opening day was 2025's best. The debut is comparable to Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom, 10% ahead of The Batman, 13% ahead of Man of Steel, and 56% larger than Guardians 3.
Super DC market Brazil had a $2M No. 1 Superman start on Thursday, James Gunn's best opening day ever. The opening day outshone all Guardians films, Joker, and The Batman.
The David Corenswet/Rachel Brosnahan/Nicholas Hoult film topped the UAE market with half. Opening day results are comparable to The Batman and higher than Aquaman and Mission.
On Thursday in Thailand, Superman led with a 58% share at $631K.
The top 5 through Thursday are Mexico ($2.2M), Brazil ($2M), France ($1.8M), Australia ($1.3M), and Korea ($1.1M).
China opened today at $2.4M, where we predicted no change.
