Superman Box Office Odds and David Corenswet’s Future as Man of Steel

_{David Corenswet's Superman debut is one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2025, but will global audiences rally behind the new Man of Steel? (Image: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy)}

It's been nigh-on impossible to click on a website, walk past a billboard, or watch a TV without seeing some mention of new Superman blockbuster in recent weeks.

Warner Bros. and DC Studios' hotly anticipated movie is dropping on July 11th, with a new Man of Steel wearing the trademark red cape.

David Corenswet will make his debut as Clark Kent/Superman in the motion picture, opposite Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, in the first standalone Superman movie since 2013's Man of Steel. Henry Cavill portrayed Superman in that film, and Corenswet recently admitted he sought advice from the actor before taking on the coveted role.

While superhero fans are eagerly awaiting the movie's release, online casino players along with Warner Bros. and DC chiefs are no doubt keen to see how well the film performs at the worldwide box office.

For The Greater Good

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn directed Superman, and he certainly appeared to be feeling the pressure connected with the motion picture last year.

He told io9 at the time, "A lot [is riding on Superman]. I mean, we’re not going to just keep making movies."

And he was also quoted as saying he was "miserable" making the movie. He said, "I’m miserable. Really, I’m miserable. But hopefully it’s for the greater good."

In 2013, Man of Steel grossed $670.1 million worldwide from a budget of around $225 to 258 million, and this year's Superman has a similar production budget. But that doesn't include marketing costs, which are rumored to be between $150 million and $200 million. 

Warner Bros. has certainly splashed out on the marketing for Superman. At London's iconic Shard building recently, Superman was spotted flying over the capital.

It wasn't a bird or a plane, but it also wasn't someone dressed up as Superman; it was a sculptural installation. Still, it was impressive. What's more, the cast of the UK series Love Island recently took part in a Superman challenge, which further promoted the movie. But will the marketing spend be enough to help Superman soar into profit?

According to a talent agent who recently spoke to The Wrap but wished to remain anonymous, the movie could do with crossing the $700 million threshold to reach success status.

They said, "The challenge is almost entirely a question of if Superman resonates with today’s audience. Did they successfully update an Eisenhower-era character so the 2025 Gen Z audience can identify with him?" But an insider told the publication that if Superman grosses $500 million or more, it will turn a profit at the box office.

The talent agent explained, "The simple brand recognition of Superman will probably take them to or close to $500 million worldwide, but anything above that will be because the audience identifies with the title character."

Superman is 5/4 favorite to gross between $500 million and $599 million at the worldwide box office. It's just 6/4 to match, or even better, Man of Steel in the $600 million to $699 million bracket, and 2/1 to make between $700 million and $799 million.

However, some reports have recently claimed pre-sales aren't as big as initial predictions.

_{Mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent blends into Metropolis life, but he must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. (Image: LANDMARK MEDIA / Alamy)}

Speaking recently on The Hot Mic podcast, Jeff Sneider said, "I'm hearing the Superman pre-sales are slowing down a little bit. I have some sources saying this is looking at a $100 million opening, if that. I have been bullish on this, saying this movie is going to do $160 million-$175 million. I think that what's becoming more realistic is $120 million to $140 million."

What's more, the cast isn't exactly full of A-listers who can put bums on seats in movie theaters just on their names alone. It's 3/1 for Superman to gross between $400 million and $499 million, which would no doubt see the movie described as a "flop."

And it definitely would be classed as that if it made less than $400 million, which is 5/1.

Oscars Buzz

Superman movies are not renowned for being recognized at the Academy Awards, but there has been some Oscars buzz surrounding this year's film. Man of Steel received plenty of praise for its effects and sound but, ultimately, found itself without an Oscars nod. However, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Superman was nominated in the Visual Effects category for next year's Oscars and won.

One main issue could be the competition, with the likes of Avatar: Fire and Ash likely to be an extremely strong contender in that category. However, could Superman try to fly even higher and go for Best Picture?

There have been some murmurings, but superhero movies aren't known for their Best Picture victories at the Academy Awards. In reality, the movie would do well to earn an Oscar nomination, let alone a statuette.

Joker was nominated for Best Picture at the 2020 Oscars, and Black Panther received the same nod at the 2019 Oscars, but neither won the coveted prize.

Even if Corenswet delivers the performance of a lifetime, it will be an uphill battle for Superman to win an Academy Award.

It's 1/2 for the movie to leave the Oscars empty-handed, if it is even nominated at all.

Corenswet's Superman Tenure

Ahead of Corenswet's Superman debut, fans have been speculating about how many times he will play the superhero.

Henry Cavill starred as Superman in four movies, but only one standalone film, Man of Steel. He featured in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 2017's Justice League, and 2021's Zack Snyder's Justice League, after the director made his own cut of the motion picture. 

_{Corenswet shares a moment of vulnerability with Rachel Brosnahan on set. (Image: BFA / Alamy)}

Cavill also appeared as the character in the 2022 film Black Adam, in a mid-credits scene. This turned out to be his final appearance as Superman.

Previously, Christopher Reeve portrayed Superman in four movies, as well as the 2006 re-edited director's cut, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut.

Brandon Routh played the character in 2006's Superman Returns, and George Reeves appeared as the Man of Steel in the 1950s TV series Adventures of Superman but only in one movie, 1951's Superman and the Mole-Men.

Kirk Alyn was the first Superman actor, appearing in 1948's 15-part Superman film serial, and he reprised the role in an Atom Man vs. Superman serial in 1950.

If Corenswet follows in the footsteps of Cavill and Reeve, then he could also star as Superman in four movies (2/1) or more until his shelf life has been reached.

But he recently hinted he wants to take his character into R-rated productions.

He told Nerdist, "One thing that excites me so much about James’ vision for the DCU is the different genres and tones that the movies can take on. I know that people are skeptical that certain genres and characters can mix ... I would love to see this Superman in an R-rated project in a thing like Lanterns, where it’s that True Detective feel.

"I just think it can happen in spite of how bright and playful this version of the character is. I think there’s room to be flexible. So, I’d be excited to see that."

This could lead to Corenswet portraying the caped character in some R-rated movies, too. But Corenswet's Superman tenure could also depend on how his first Man of Steel movie performs.

Earlier this year, the star dodged a question about his future as the character. He told Esquire España, "I don't think it's up to me to answer that. It's up to James Gunn, who has a terrific imagination."

It's 5/1 for the forthcoming Superman film to be the only movie Corenswet takes on the role, but this year's motion picture may even feature a hint or two that he is to continue in the red cape for many a movie.