Superman opens strong at box office with $217 million

Superman set a strong box office record while other franchises also achieved significant milestones.

Superman leads box office while Jurassic World and Lilo & Stitch reach milestones

Superman topped the box office with $217 million globally, $95 million from international markets, and $122 million domestically in its opening weekend. Critics mention that the character's American roots may have affected performance abroad, leading to a softer reception in some markets. Directed by James Gunn, this installment aims to reset the DC Universe following previous disappointments. In other box office news, Jurassic World Rebirth earned $68 million internationally, bringing its global total to $529 million. Disney's Lilo & Stitch is nearing its billion-dollar milestone, generating $994 million globally, a significant success for the studio amid struggles for Pixar's Elio, which has underperformed.

The strong performance of Superman highlights the challenges facing American-centric characters in a changing global market. While the character remains iconic, factors like international sentiment towards the U.S. seem to impact his reception. As franchises like Jurassic World thrive, it raises questions about what audiences globally truly want. The success of Lilo & Stitch also suggests nostalgia and familiar stories still attract viewers, heightening competition among studios for broader appeal.

Highlights

As these franchises evolve, their stories must adapt to a global audience with diverse tastes.