^{Photo: Telegraph India}

Warner Bros. Celebrates Double Box Office Victory With “Superman” and “F1” Surpassing $500 Million Globally

Warner Bros. Discovery had a record-setting weekend at the global box office as two major films—DC Studios’ “Superman” and Apple Original Films’ “F1”—each soared past $500 million in worldwide ticket sales.

• “Superman”: $502 million globally
• “F1”: $509 million globally

The success is not just a box office victory—it also reflects broader shifts in studio strategy, franchise development, and the growing synergy between tech giants like Apple and traditional film studios.

“Superman” Marks New Era for DC Studios

The new “Superman” film is especially significant for DC Studios, as it's the first major theatrical release under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, who took the helm in late 2022. The duo’s long-term plan aims to revitalize the DC Universe across film and television.

Their debut effort is paying off. Despite premiering just two weeks ago, “Superman” has already:

• Become the fourth-highest-grossing Superman film ever
• Driven strong weekday and weekend attendance
• Reinvigorated interest in the DC brand, signaling a promising future for upcoming reboots like “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”

Apple’s “F1” Becomes a Historic Box Office Breakthrough

Apple, traditionally known for tech hardware and services, continues its ambitious expansion into Hollywood. With “F1”—a motorsports drama directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt—Apple now holds its most successful theatrical release ever.

“F1” has outperformed all of Apple’s prior cinema efforts, including:

• Napoleon (2023): $221 million
• Killers of the Flower Moon: $158 million
• Argylle: $96 million
• Fly Me to the Moon: $42 million

Notably, “F1” has more than doubled the previous record held by Napoleon.

IMAX Partnership Drives Immersive Experience for “F1”

A key to “F1”’s success was its strategic alliance with IMAX, which included:

• Early planning with IMAX camera technology
• Three-week exclusive run in IMAX theaters globally
• High-octane, immersive scenes shot at real racetracks with ultra-wide formats

This partnership positioned the film as a cinematic experience, drawing audiences beyond standard superhero fare and setting it apart from competitors.

Industry Impact and What Comes Next

These dual milestones underscore shifting dynamics in Hollywood:

• Warner Bros. is rebuilding its superhero franchises from the ground up and showing early wins under new leadership.
• Apple is establishing itself as a serious contender in theatrical distribution, moving beyond prestige streaming into blockbuster territory.

Experts believe the trend of tech-studio collaboration is likely to expand as audiences return to theaters seeking both nostalgic franchises and immersive spectacles.

According to Box Office Mojo, global theatrical revenue in 2025 is expected to grow 12% year-over-year, driven by strong franchise performance, IMAX expansion, and increased international demand.

Final Thoughts

Warner Bros. and Apple each crossed a symbolic and financial threshold this weekend, proving that bold franchise direction and tech-industry partnerships can still draw global audiences at scale. With “Superman” still rising and “F1” accelerating on strong word-of-mouth and premium screens, the box office race for 2025 is off to a powerful start.

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