'Superman' previews soar with $22.5 million ahead of opening

Warner Bros.’ “Superman” flew into cinemas Thursday, earning $22.5 million in preview showings, ranking as the third-best Thursday performance for a superhero film under the DC banner. The movie is expected to bring in between $130 million and $140 million during its opening weekend, on par with other successful DC films.

James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Comics film and TV unit, have developed a 10-year plan to revitalize DC franchises with fresh spins on Superman and Batman. They have experience with superhero content, including projects from both Marvel and DC Universe. “Superman” marks their first theatrical project since taking over.

Critics have responded positively to the “Superman” reboot, giving it an 83% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is seen as ushering in a new era for DC characters, with a more hopeful tone compared to previous brooding iterations. The movie represents a tonal shift for DC films, aiming to meet fan demands while appealing to broader audiences.

Read more at CNBC: ‘Superman’ Thursday previews hit $22.5 million at box office