Gunn’s “Superman” also outperformed recent comic book movies from both studios. Marvel’s last release, "Thunderbolts*," debuted at $74.3 million in May, and before that, “Captain America: Brave New World” premiered at $88.8 million.

"Superman" is well-liked and should play for weeks in the U.S., but DC's path back to tentpole powerhouse status will take time.

James Gunn revealed he cast Bradley Cooper as Superman ’s father because he needed someone who could fill the “stature” of the character. In the newly released Superman, Cooper plays the titular character’s birth father Jor-El,

The superhero film, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel soared at the box office on its opening weekend, taking $217 million (£161 million) at the global box office. Reacting to the news, writer-director Gunn wrote on Threads ”I'm incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days.