Superman Is Just The First Step

Despite Warner Bros. Discovery ultimately being split into two companies, CEO David Zaslav can celebrate a big win this weekend with DC Studios‘ Superman.

Warner Bros. is reporting that the James Gunn-directed superhero film, Superman, is opening at $122M domestically and $217M globally.

It was Zaslav’s idea to emulate Disney-Marvel Studios and have a separate studio led by separate executives, James Gunn and Peter Safran, who co-run DC Studios.

It’s Safran’s biggest domesitc opening as a producer and Gunn’s second biggest domestic opening right behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Warner Bros. owns this year’s No. 1 and No. 3 opening with Minecraft and Superman, respectively.

When Zaslav arrived at Warner Bros., DC Studios was at a funk coming out of Covid. Though The Batman was a hit, other films such as The Flash with Ezra Miller’s legal troubles and Aquaman 2, turned out to be box office duds. The executive made it a point to steer the ship into less turbulant tides.

“Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world. James and Peter’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired.

“I remember my first meeting with James three years ago. He spoke about growing up in Missouri and how the characters of the DC Universe weren’t just stories to him, they were like his family. His personal bond with these DC heroes was powerful and I knew then that James was the right person to bring them to life. His love for the DC world runs deep, and it shines in every frame of his work.

“This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step. Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max, all part of a bold ten-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”