Fandango just dropped some numbers that should make Warner Bros. and DC Studios executives sleep a little easier: the new SUPERMAN has become 2025’s best first-day ticket pre-seller, outselling every other film’s general first-day sales this year. We’re talking about Amazon Prime Early Access screenings that won’t even happen until July 8th, three days before the nationwide July 11th release. If advance ticket sales are any indication, James Gunn‘s reboot of the Man of Steel might actually stick the landing that previous DC efforts have struggled to achieve.

The Fandango numbers feel significant beyond typical box office speculation. When a film outsells established franchises and summer tentpoles before audiences have seen a single review, it suggests genuine anticipation rather than manufactured hype. Gunn’s transition from Marvel’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY to rebooting DC’s flagship character has clearly captured audience attention in ways that previous DC leadership couldn’t manage.

James Gunn’s DC gamble starts paying off

The decision to hand James Gunn the keys to DC Studios always felt like either brilliant strategy or expensive mistake, with no middle ground possible. His success with ensemble cosmic comedy at Marvel doesn’t obviously translate to solo Superman storytelling, but the advance ticket sales suggest audiences are willing to trust his vision for the character.

Gunn’s approach to superhero filmmaking has always emphasized character relationships over spectacle, which could be exactly what Superman needs after years of films that prioritized destruction over heroism. The fact that Fandango’s 2025 Moviegoing Trends & Insight Study ranked SUPERMAN among the most anticipated summer movies indicates audiences are ready for a different take on the character.

The casting choices reflect Gunn’s confidence in his vision. David Corenswet as Superman represents a deliberate move away from the brooding approach that defined recent interpretations. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane brings THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL’s rapid-fire dialogue skills to a character that needs to be more than just romantic interest or damsel in distress.

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor as the wild card

The most intriguing element of these pre-sales might be audience anticipation for Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, which Fandango’s Most Anticipated Movies survey identified as one of 2025’s most anticipated new performances. Hoult’s been building an impressive resume of complex characters, from his work in THE FAVOURITE to RENFIELD, and his physical transformation for Luthor suggests serious commitment to reimagining Superman’s greatest nemesis.

Previous Lex Luthor interpretations have ranged from Gene Hackman’s real estate obsessed schemer to Jesse Eisenberg’s manic tech entrepreneur. Hoult’s version could synthesize the character’s intellectual menace with physical threat in ways that make Superman’s challenge feel genuinely dangerous rather than just philosophically interesting.

The decision to highlight Luthor in marketing materials rather than focusing exclusively on Superman himself indicates confidence in the antagonist’s role in the story. Great superhero films typically succeed based on their villains rather than their heroes, and early audience interest in Hoult’s performance suggests Gunn understands this principle.

Collector bundles that actually offer value

Fandango’s merchandising approach for SUPERMAN shows more creativity than typical promotional tie-ins. The Superman Collector’s Bundle at $59 includes a ticket, limited-edition Fortress of Solitude concept art print, hat, and exclusive comic book with only 1,000 copies available. For collectors, the concept art print alone could justify the cost, especially if the film succeeds and demand increases.

The Father’s Day Hero Gift Set at $65 includes two tickets, hat, and Superman-themed Amazon Echo Pop available only through this bundle. The Echo Pop inclusion feels like genuine exclusive content rather than repackaged merchandise, and the timing connects Superman’s heroic themes with Father’s Day gift-giving in ways that feel organic rather than forced.

These bundles suggest confidence in the film’s collector appeal beyond opening weekend. When distributors create limited-edition merchandise with actual scarcity (1,000 comic books), they’re betting on sustained interest rather than quick cash grab.

What advance sales actually predict

Record-breaking advance ticket sales don’t guarantee quality, but they do indicate successful marketing and genuine audience anticipation. Recent superhero films have struggled with audience fatigue, making SUPERMAN’s early success particularly significant for DC’s future plans.

The comparison to other 2025 first-day sales provides context for just how strong these numbers are. Outselling established franchises and anticipated sequels suggests SUPERMAN has broken through the noise of crowded summer movie competition.

Fandango’s survey data showing SUPERMAN as most anticipated summer film among 5,000 moviegoers provides broader context than just ticket sales. When audiences specifically cite anticipation for new performances and creative direction, it suggests interest beyond franchise loyalty or nostalgic attachment.

Early access strategy that builds momentum

The Amazon Prime Early Access screenings on July 8th represent smart distribution strategy that builds word-of-mouth before wide release. Three days between early screenings and nationwide opening provides time for positive reviews to circulate while creating urgency for general audiences.

Limiting early access to Prime members creates exclusivity while reaching streaming audiences who might not typically attend opening weekend. This approach acknowledges that superhero films now compete with streaming content for audience attention, making direct engagement with streaming platforms essential.

The 7 PM local time scheduling for early screenings maximizes social media buzz during prime posting hours, allowing positive reactions to build overnight before weekend ticket sales begin.

The bigger picture for DC’s future

SUPERMAN’s advance sales success matters beyond individual film performance for DC Studios’ overall strategy. After years of inconsistent critical and commercial reception, DC needs a clear hit to establish credibility for their planned universe expansion.

Gunn’s appointment as DC Studios co-CEO makes SUPERMAN’s success personally significant for his ability to guide the entire DC slate. Strong opening weekend performance could provide the political capital necessary to implement his vision for interconnected DC storytelling without studio interference.

The film’s performance will also determine audience willingness to invest in DC characters beyond Batman and Wonder Woman. Superman’s success or failure affects green-lighting decisions for lesser-known characters and deeper universe building.

Big Ticket Interview insights worth watching

Fandango’s Big Ticket Interview with the cast and Gunn could provide crucial insight into the film’s tone and approach. These promotional interviews typically offer sanitized soundbites, but Gunn’s previous press appearances suggest he’ll provide substantive discussion of creative choices.

David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry will be essential for the film’s success, and their interview dynamic should indicate whether their on-screen relationship works. Superman films live or die based on the Clark Kent/Lois Lane relationship, making their promotional appearances essential viewing for fans.

Gunn’s discussion of Superman’s cape and costume choices might seem trivial, but these details often reflect deeper understanding of character psychology and visual storytelling that separates great superhero films from merely competent ones.

Bottom line on the Man of Steel’s return

SUPERMAN’s record-breaking advance sales suggest James Gunn’s DC gamble might actually pay off. Whether the film lives up to advance anticipation remains to be seen, but early indicators point toward genuine audience enthusiasm rather than manufactured hype.

For DC fans who’ve endured years of disappointing universe-building attempts, these numbers represent hope that someone finally understands how to make Superman relevant to contemporary audiences. For theater owners worried about superhero fatigue, SUPERMAN’s early sales prove audiences still want great superhero stories when filmmakers deliver quality over obligation.

The July 11th release date can’t come fast enough for fans ready to believe a man can fly again. Sometimes the best way to judge a film’s potential is watching how eagerly people are willing to pay for the privilege of seeing it first.”