The latest Superman film, a fresh interpretation of the beloved DC Comics character, achieved remarkable success at Nigerian cinemas, generating N133.7 million in ticket revenue during its opening weekend, marking one of 2025’s strongest debuts.
James Gunn’s written and directed superhero epic surpassed Captain America: Brave New World (N111.9 million), which previously held the year’s biggest opening weekend record with N108.1 million.
This achievement becomes more impressive considering numerous Lagos cinemas remained closed until late Saturday afternoon due to local elections, despite the region contributing nearly 50% of national box office earnings.
The film features David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, launching the new DC Universe (DCU) under Gunn’s creative direction. Supporting cast includes Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.
The story unfolds three years following Superman’s public debut, depicting Clark Kent balancing his journalist career in Metropolis with his responsibilities as Earth’s most powerful metahuman.
As Lex Luthor orchestrates a strategic campaign to manipulate public sentiment against him, Superman faces the dual challenge of confronting adversaries while demonstrating to humanity his worthiness as their champion. The narrative draws from All-Star Superman, the celebrated comic series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.
Following its global premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on July 7, the film reached Nigerian theatres on July 11. As the inaugural entry in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters arc, it has accumulated over $220 million worldwide against its $225 million production cost.
Nigeria’s strong opening reinforces the country’s emerging significance in global cinema markets. Despite infrastructure limitations and occasional disruptions like election-related closures, Nigeria consistently demonstrates its importance as a key market for major film releases.
This Superman iteration signifies a crucial creative shift for DC Studios. Initially conceived as a Man of Steel (2013) sequel, the project underwent reimagining following Justice League’s commercial and critical challenges in 2017.
Gunn, named DC Studios co-CEO in 2022, developed a fresh screenplay that eventually abandoned the original Superman: Legacy subtitle, introducing a complete universe restart.
