‘Superman' flexes its might in second weekend with $57.3 million
None of the week's new releases — 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' 'Smurfs,' and 'Eddington' — came close to touching Warner Bros. and DC Studios' superhero success. 'Superman' dipped 54% from its domestic opening, an average decline for a big summer film.
In two weeks, 'Superman' has grossed $406.8 million worldwide, a good start for the movie DC Studios is banking on to restart its movie operations. A big test looms next weekend, when the Walt Disney Co. releases Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps.'
Strong audience scores and good reviews should help propel the $225 million-budgeted 'Superman' toward profitability in the coming weeks. For Warner Bros. and DC Studios, 'Superman' is key to kicking off a 10-year plan for the comic book adaptation studio. Co-heads Gunn and Peter Safra were tasked with rehabilitating the flagging operation. Next on tap are the films 'Supergirl' and 'Clayface' in 2026.
But 'Superman' is far from flying solo in theaters right now. Universal Pictures' 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' came in second this weekend, with $23.4 million in its third week of release. The seventh 'Jurassic' movie, this one starring Scarlett Johansson, held its own despite the competition from 'Superman.' In three weeks, it accrued $648 million worldwide.
Apple Studios and Warner Bros.' 'F1: The Movie' has also shown legs, especially internationally. In its fourth weekend, the Brad Pitt racing drama dipped just 26% domestically, bringing in $9.6 million in North America, and another $29.5 million overseas. Its global total stands at $460.8 million.
But both of the biggest new releases — Sony Pictures' 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and Paramount Pictures' 'Smurfs' — fell flat.
'I Know What You Did Last Summer' opened with $13 million, a fair result for a movie budgeted at a modest $18 million, but a disappointing opening for a well-known horror franchise. The film, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is set 27 years after the 1997 original. Teenagers played by Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders are again haunted for covering up a car accident.
The movie's reviews (38% 'fresh' on Rotten Tomatoes) were poor for 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and audiences graded it similarly. The film notched a 'C+' on CinemaScore. The original collected $72.6 million in its domestic run in 1997.
Paramount Pictures' 'Smurfs' debuted in fourth place this weekend with $11 million. The latest big-screen reboot for the woodland blue creatures prominently features Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette. But reviews (21% 'fresh' on Rotten Tomatoes) were terrible. Audiences were kinder, giving it a 'B+' on CinemaScore, but the $58 million-budgeted release will depend largely on its international sales. In 56 overseas markets, 'Smurfs' earned $22.6 million.
Ari Aster's 'Eddington' opened with $4.2 million on 2,111 screens for A24. Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, 'Eddington' has been particularly divisive. The pandemic-set Western features Joaquin Phoenix as the right-wing sheriff of a small New Mexico town who faces off with its liberal mayor (Pedro Pascal).
While Aster's first film, 2018's 'Heredity' ($82.8 million worldwide against a $10 million budget) helped establish A24 as an indie powerhouse, but the less-than-stellar launch of 'Eddington' marks the second box-office disappointment for Aster. His 2023 film 'Beau Is Afraid' cost $35 million to make but collected just $12.4 million worldwide. 'Eddington' cost about $25 million to produce. Audiences gave it a 'C+' on CinemaScore. None of Aster's previous films have been graded higher.
Yet collectively, Hollywood is enjoying a very good summer. According to data firm Comscore, the 2025 summer box office is up 15.9% over the same period last year, with the year-to-date sales running 15% ahead of 2025. Summer ticket sales have amassed about $2.6 billion domestically, according to Comscore.
Top 10 movies by domestic box office
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. 'Superman,' $57.3 million.
2. 'Jurassic World Rebirth,' $23.4 million.
3. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' $13 million.
4. 'Smurfs,' $11 million.
5, 'F1: The Movie,' $9.6 million.
6. 'How to Train Your Dragon,' $5.4 million.
7. 'Eddington,' $4.3 million.
8. 'Elio,' $2 million.
9. 'Lilo & Stitch,' $1.5 million.
10. '28 Years Later,' $1.3 million.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geek Tyrant
2 minutes ago
- Geek Tyrant
James Gunn Confirms WONDER WOMAN Is a DCU Priority, but Don't Expect It Anytime Soon — GeekTyrant
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has shared an update on the future of Wonder Woman in the new DCU, and while the Amazon warrior remains a key part of the plan, the project is still in the early stages. When asked about recent reports suggesting the film was being 'fast-tracked' after the huge success of Superman , Gunn told Rolling Stone: 'I don't know what they mean by fast-tracking. I've always had Wonder Woman as a priority. But we got the first few things started, and there's some other things that are really close to green-lighting – like there's a television show that I hope that we're gonna be green-lighting in the next few days.' Gunn explained that while Wonder Woman is crucial to the new DCU, they're taking the time to get it right: 'So now a little time has passed, and we really need Wonder Woman and we really need Batman, because they're so important to us. And so it's become a little bit more like going to everybody at DC and being like, we need to figure this out. 'We have good writers on Wonder Woman and we just have to make sure it's working and they have to not be somebody who's gonna take two years to write a script.' The new Wonder Woman film was confirmed last month, but details remain scarce. Gal Gadot, who portrayed Diana Prince in the DCEU, will not return for this iteration, and the role has yet to be recast. Meanwhile, the DCU is off to a strong start with Superman , the first film in Gunn's DCU plan, now playing in theaters with David Corenswet donning the cape. Gunn has previously teased that Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman will reunite in the new universe, but fans will need to be patient. The Caped Crusader hasn't been recast yet either. For now, we'll just have to wait and see who steps into the boots of the iconic Amazon warrior when Wonder Woman finally arrives in the DCU.
Tom's Guide
3 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
'Fantastic Four: First Steps' debuts with higher Rotten Tomatoes score than 'Superman'
I don't think any of us can truly deny the Marvel Universe has lost some of its sparkle over the years. For me, I still enjoy the movies enough, but I've definitely lost a bit of excitement for the MCU and have been hoping for a real hard-hitter to shake things up again. With the upcoming release of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' on July 25, that might just be the spark the franchise (and I) need. That judgement is based on the reviews alone. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' has already achieved a rare feat: its debut Rotten Tomatoes rating stands at a solid 86%, making it the first 'Fantastic Four' movie ever to earn a 'fresh' status. That score even nudges out the new 'Superman' reboot, which currently sits at 83% on the Tomatometer. Taking place amid a colorful, retro-futuristic vision of the 1960s, "First Steps' brings Marvel's iconic first family back to the big screen: Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). The story balances their evolving family dynamics with the looming threat of cosmic villains like Galactus and the Silver Surfer. Early reactions have been largely positive, with critics praising the movie's charm, chemistry, and nostalgic yet fresh style. Polygon called it 'one of the better outings for the modern MCU,' while Seattle Times described it as 'heartfelt, action-packed and just plain fun.' That said, it's worth remembering that early reviews often lean positive, and scores tend to shift once the movie is released. So, if you're wondering whether to head to the theater for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' here's what critics are saying on Rotten Tomatoes. As mentioned earlier, it's important to keep your expectations in check and take early positive reactions with a grain of salt since these initial scores often shift once a wider audience weighs in. That said, there's hope 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' can maintain its strong Rotten Tomatoes score, much like 'Superman' has, and even build a strong viewer rating as more fans see the movie. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Clearly though, 'First Steps' has made a strong first impression. There are currently 130 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with most of them offering glowing opinions. Nell Minow from Movie Mom said: 'After three unsatisfactory tries Marvel Studios got it right, gorgeously produced, well cast, dazzling visuals, gracefully relegating the origin story to a few 'archival' clips, and putting our quartet and us right in the middle of the action.' Meanwhile, The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey stated it 'the ingredients are perfectly lined up, and, in the right combinations, and with the pure wonderment of Michael Giacchino's score, The Fantastic Four: First Steps does shimmer with a kind of wide-eyed idealism. And that's lovely.' Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence wrote a very hopeful review that has me even more intrigued: 'A solid comic book adventure that's not embarrassed by being a comic book adventure — in fact it finds real power in its love for its roots. Hopefully, that's an energy the MCU can carry forward with it.' The same goes for TheWrap's William Bibbiani, who said: 'Matt Shakman has done something Marvel Studios doesn't do very well anymore. He's made a superhero movie that embraces the 'super' part. And the 'hero' part. And the 'movie' part.' Sure, there are more good reviews than bad, but there's a reason it's not sitting at 100%. Some critics weren't quite as impressed. Katie Walsh from Tribune News Service said: 'Perhaps it would have been best relegated to the small screen then, because the biggest one isn't doing this movie any favors. A message this urgent shouldn't be rendered in such a forgettable fashion.' Boston Globe's Odie Henderson was a bit more savage: 'Unfortunately, neither a timeframe change nor the work of four screenwriters (Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer) can fix the central problem with Fantastic Four movies: With one exception, the team members are colossal bores.' Esther Zuckerman from Bloomberg News even compared it to 'Superman,' saying: 'While Superman felt bracingly modern with the political sentiments to boot, The Fantastic Four has a halo of cobwebs it can't quite shake off.' 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' is clearly off to a strong start, with critics largely praising its charm, visuals, and return to classic comic book storytelling. It's being hailed as the best take on Marvel's first family yet, though everyone is fully convinced. While some find it refreshing and heartfelt, others feel it falls short of greatness. Still, if early reactions are anything to go by, this could mark a much-needed turning point for the franchise. If you're still on the fence about heading to the theaters for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' it's worth remembering that some movies are just made for the big screen, and this is one of them. While it might hit streaming in a few months, the scale and visual ambition of 'First Steps' are probably best experienced in a dark theater, not your living room. Between the sweeping shots, retro-futuristic design, and Michael Giacchino's soaring score, the movie seems to lean into a sense of wonder that benefits from the immersive setting of the theater. Even if you're not fully sold on the Fantastic Four as a team, the spectacle alone gives it an edge that might be lost when viewed at home. So if you're even a little curious, this might be one to catch while it's still on the big screen. My ticket is booked, and I'm ready to see it on July 25. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Chicago Tribune
3 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
‘The Fantastic Four' review: In a jet age dream of Manhattan, Marvel's world-savers take care of business
Ten years after a 'Fantastic Four' movie that wasn't, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Studios have given us 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' a much better couple of hours. It takes place in the mid-1960s, albeit a sleekly otherworldly jet age streamlining of that time. Result? Extras in fedoras share crowd scenes with a Manhattan skyline dotted with familiar landmarks like the Chrysler Building, alongside some casually wondrous 'Jetsons'-esque skyscrapers and design flourishes. Typically a production designer working in the Marvel movie universe doesn't stand a chance against the digital compositing and effects work and the general wash of green-screenery. 'The Fantastic Four' is different. Production designer Kasra Farahani's amusing visual swagger complements the film's dueling interests: A little fun over here, the usual threats of global extinction over there. In contrast to the current James Gunn 'Superman,' worthwhile despite its neurotic mood swings and from-here-to-eternity action beats, director Matt Shakman's handling of 'The Fantastic Four' takes it easier on the audience. Having returned from their space mission with 'cosmically compromised DNA,' Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm adapt to their Earthbound lives with some new bullet points for their collective resumé. Richards, big-time-stretchy-bendy, goes by Mister Fantastic, able to out-Gumby Gumby. One Storm's alter ego is Invisible Woman, while the other Storm is the flying Human Torch. Grimm returns to Earth as a mobile rockpile, aka The Thing. So what's it all about? It's about a really hungry tourist just looking for one last meal before he 'may finally rest.' So says Galactus, devourer of worlds, for whom noshing involves planets, and whose herald is Silver Surfer. Galactus wants Sue Storm's soon-to-be-newborn baby in exchange for not devouring Earth. How the Fantastic Four go about dealing with Galactus culminates in an evacuated Manhattan, in the vicinity of Times Square, while the New York throngs hide away in the underground lair of Harvey Elder, the infamous Moleman. One of the buoying aspects of Shakman's film is its avoidance of antagonist overexposure. You get just enough of Paul Walter Hauser's witty embodiment of auxiliary more-misunderstood-than-bad Moleman, for example, to want more. And Galactus, a hulking metallic entity, is such that a little of him is plenty, actually. The Fantastic Four run the show here. Not everyone will love the generous, relaxed amount of hangout time director Shakman's film spends setting up and illustrating family dynamics and medium-grade banter. Others will take it as a welcome change from the 10-megaton solemnity of some of the recent Marvels, hits as well as flops. While Pedro Pascal, aka Mister Ubiquitous, makes for a solid, sensitive ringleader as the ever-murmuring Mister Fantastic, the emotional weight tips slightly toward Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, as she weathers the travails of imminent parenthood, wondering along with her husband whether the child of DNA-scrambled superheroic parents will be OK. I wish Ebon Moss-Bachrach had better material as The Thing, but he's ingratiating company; same goes for Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, a boyish horndog once he sets his sights on the metallic flip of the screen's first female Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Michael Giacchino's excellent and subtly rangy musical score is a big plus. The costumes by Alexandra Byrne are less so. This is where indefensible personal taste comes in. There's no question that Byrne's designs fit snugly into the overall retro-futurist frame of 'The Fantastic Four.' But holy moly, the palette dominating the clothes, and picked up by numerous production design elements, is really, really, really blue. blue. The movie works bluer than Buddy Hackett at a '64 midnight show in Vegas. Few will share my aversion to the no-doubt carefully varied shades of French blue prevalent here, but what can I do? I can do this: be grateful this film's just serious enough, tonally, for its family matters and knotty world-saving ethical dilemmas to hold together. It's not great superhero cinema — the verdict is out on whether that's even possible in the Marvel Phase 6 stage of our lives — but good is good enough for 'The Fantastic Four.' 'The Fantastic 4: First Steps' — 3 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action, and some suggestive content) Running time: 2:05 How to watch: Premieres in theaters July 24
