So here’s how I view Superman (2025):
1) In one sense, it’s a nice palate cleanser start to the DCU. It is one of Gunn’s lower films in terms of critical acclaim, and did *well enough* I guess out of the gate. WBD and DCU lives on for now. It seems to be well received for the most part by fans,* and I think it does a great job world building and establishing some great parts of the DCU. Please, more Mr. Terrific.
2) But. In another sense, as some have pointed out, it may not eke out a profit. That may not be a problem for WBD, which is operating less like a studio and seemingly more like a money laundering operation. Superman also barely clear the domestic opening weekend numbers for Man of Steel (unadjusted for inflation, and over a decade ago). That film’s performance was also well received but WB didn’t feel like it did as well as it should, hence the “break glass in case of emergency” move to shoehorn Batman in the sequel and build out a nascent film universe.
3) I think WOM will be good enough to get repeat visitors and hold an audience. But FF is on the horizon in a few weeks and that’ll substantially eat into its legs.
*Some Snyderverse holdouts will never let it go.