James Gunn's "Superman" has burst onto the scene, exceeding expectations and signaling a potential resurgence for DC Studios. The film, starring David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, has earned an impressive $122 million in the U.S. and Canada during its opening weekend. Globally, the film has grossed $217 million.

This strong opening is particularly significant considering the recent struggles of DC films at the box office. Films like "The Flash" and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" have underperformed, making the success of "Superman" a much-needed win for Warner Bros. and DC. "Superman" marks the first DC title to surpass $100 million in its opening weekend since "Wonder Woman" in 2017.

The film's success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, James Gunn's involvement as writer and director has generated considerable excitement. Gunn, known for his work on "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Suicide Squad," brings a unique and irreverent style to the superhero genre. Rather than retreading Superman's origin story, the film introduces a Superman already three years into his role as a superhero.

Secondly, "Superman" has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film has an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences giving it an "A-" grade on CinemaScore and a 93% positive audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This positive reception suggests that the film is resonating with viewers and generating positive word-of-mouth.

Finally, "Superman" benefits from being a fresh start for the DC cinematic universe. As the first release fully steered by Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of DC Studios, the film is intended to set a new course for DC's superhero properties. The film's success gives DC Studios and Warner Bros. the confidence to continue down the path James Gunn has envisioned.

Despite the strong opening, some analysts had projected even higher numbers, with estimates reaching $130 million. Some industry observers attribute the slightly lower-than-expected performance to competition from other blockbusters, such as "Jurassic World Rebirth" and "F1 The Movie". While "Superman"'s domestic performance was better than "Jurassic World Rebirth"'s opening, it did not top that movie’s international appeal.

Looking ahead, the success of "Superman" is a promising sign for the future of the DC Universe. With upcoming films like "Supergirl" in development, DC fans have reason to be optimistic. "Superman" has not only smashed box office records but has also given DC a renewed sense of direction and momentum.