In a stunning box office turn, the sci-fi phenomenon Project Hail Mary has officially overtaken James Gunn's Superman, proving that a fresh, original story can still dominate the global market. The film, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, has now grossed $638 million worldwide—edging past the $618 million earned by Gunn's DC reboot.
The milestone comes after weeks of debate among fans comparing Gunn's vibrant, hopeful take on the Man of Steel to Zack Snyder's darker vision. While Gunn's Superman—featuring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor—earned strong reviews, its box office fell short of Snyder's Man of Steel, which grossed $668 million over a decade ago. Now, a standalone sci-fi film with no pre-existing franchise has topped both.
A Sci-Fi Masterpiece Takes Flight
Based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary has spent nearly two months in theaters and shows no signs of slowing down. It recently crossed the $300 million mark domestically and has now surpassed the lifetime gross of Weir's previous adaptation, The Martian. The film's success is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and star power, with Gosling leading a cast that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Both Project Hail Mary and Superman carried production budgets exceeding $200 million, making their box office performances a key measure of success. While Gunn's film was positioned as a tribute to Richard Donner's classic 1970s Superman, complete with colorful visuals and hopeful themes, it ultimately couldn't match the momentum of Lord and Miller's sci-fi epic.
What's Next for Superman?
Gunn isn't slowing down. He's already assembling a sort-of sequel titled Superman: Man of Tomorrow, slated for a 2027 release. The film recently added Daredevil: Born Again star Matthew Lillard to its cast. Before that, fans will see Corenswet reprise the role in Supergirl, which hits theaters in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Project Hail Mary continues to dominate the conversation, proving that audiences are hungry for original sci-fi blockbusters. With its blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure, the film has become a cultural touchstone—and a box office juggernaut that even the Man of Steel couldn't stop.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on these and other blockbuster stories.
