Writer-director James Gunn’s Superman had a budget of $225m. Here’s breakdown of how much its stars were paid and other key numbers.
Introducing David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Superman is an important film for Warner Bros. Not just because it’s an expensive summer superhero movie, but also because it’s launching a whole new series of DC Universe films, continuing next year with Supergirl and Clayface.
So given how pivotal Superman is to the future of DC movies, how much did Warner Bros spend on it? We’re glad you asked…
Breaking down Superman’s production costs
The total budget for 2025’s Superman was $225 million according to multiple sources, including The Hollywood Reporter.
A large chunk of that sum was spent on filming, the construction of sets and VFX, but a sizeable portion went on salaries.
James Gunn was paid more than his three stars combined
As well as the co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn is also Superman’s writer-director. His salary for making the film, according to Variety, was a sizable $15 million. His stars, meanwhile, got paid far less.
Here’s what Superman’s lead actors got paid:
Nicholas Hoult – $2 million
As Lex Luthor, Nicholas Hoult was Superman’s best-paid star with a $2 million payday.
David Corenswet – $750,000
He may play the title role as Superman, but David Corenswet – a relative newcomer to blockbuster films – was paid a comparatively small $750,000. He’s likely to be paid more for any spin-offs or sequels.
Rachel Brosnahan – $750,000
Playing Lois Lane, co-star Rachel Brosnahan got paid $750,000 – exactly the same as Corenswet.
Star salaries were dwarfed by Superman’s marketing budget
Superman has the likes of Jurassic Park Rebirth and Fantastic Four: First Steps to compete with this summer, so Warner Bros hasn’t skimped on advertising. It’s reported that $125 million was spent on marketing for the 2025 movie, which included such publicity stunts as suspending a huge Superman model above London’s tallest building. That piece of marketing alone reportedly cost a seven figure sum.
Will Superman be a hit?
Superman has received solid reviews so far. Its box office numbers have been particularly strong in America. Superman made $125 million in the US on its opening weekend. Overseas, the box office numbers were lower at $95 million.
This makes Superman a cautious success at present. Warner Bros boss David Zaslav was quick to hail it as a breakthrough, but industry analysts argue that Superman will have to continue drawing in cinema audiences over the coming weeks to truly qualify as a blockbuster.
What’s next for the DC Universe?
While it remains to be seen when or if Superman will get a direct sequel, other DC Universe Films are coming in 2026. Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, is due for release on the 26th June 2026.
Horror-infused comic book adaptation Clayface, directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan, is out on the 11th September 2026.
Future DCU films include The Authority, The Brave And The Bold, Swamp Thing and Sgt Rock.
After several delays, writer-director Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II is scheduled for release in October 2027.
