A fierce battle is unfolding at the global box office as two major blockbusters compete to achieve the coveted $600 million milestone. DC Studios’ latest superhero film, ‘Superman’, and the ambitious Formula One drama from Apple, ‘F1’, are both approaching this impressive figure, marking significant achievements for each film.
Superman’s Domestic Strength
After six weeks of release, ‘Superman’ has earned $595 million globally, with $340 million coming from North America alone. While it’s unlikely to surpass the $670 million earned by 2013’s ‘Man of Steel’ (unadjusted for inflation), the film’s reception showcases a positive turnaround for DC Studios. Directed by James Gunn, ‘Superman’ has successfully revitalized interest in the franchise, paving the way for upcoming projects like ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Clayface’, set to release in 2026. Gunn also hinted at future plans for the “Super-Family,” though details remain under wraps.
F1’s Stunning International Run
Meanwhile, ‘F1’ is making waves internationally, with $407 million of its $590 million total gross coming from overseas markets. The film, which stars Brad Pitt as a retired Formula One driver making a daring comeback, impressed audiences with its original storytelling and high-budget production, costing over $250 million. Notably, ‘F1’ has now become the highest-grossing film of Pitt’s career, surpassing the $540 million earned by ‘World War Z’.
This weekend, ‘F1’ added $9.3 million internationally and $12 million globally, continuing its strong performance. For a fledgling film studio like Apple, ‘F1’ represents a significant commercial breakthrough and highlights the potential of original adult-skewing blockbusters in a franchise-dominated industry.
Other Box Office Highlights
In addition to the ‘Superman’ and ‘F1’ showdown, Warner Bros. is celebrating the success of its latest R-rated horror film, ‘Weapons’. After just 10 days, the movie has grossed $148.8 million globally, with $59 million coming from international markets. Produced for $38 million, ‘Weapons’ marks another hit for Warner Bros. following a string of successes, including ‘Minecraft Movie’ and ‘Sinners’.
Meanwhile, Universal’s action sequel ‘Nobody 2’ had a modest debut, earning $14.1 million globally in its opening weekend. Starring Bob Odenkirk, the $25 million budgeted film is expected to achieve profitability given its relatively low production costs.
A Milestone Year for Cinema
As the $600 million race between ‘Superman’ and ‘F1’ plays out, the broader box office landscape continues to deliver exciting milestones and surprises. From successful superhero reboots to record-breaking performances by new original films, 2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for the entertainment industry.