James Gunn’s Superman is off to a soaring start, emerging as the biggest box office release of the week in India. While global and U.S. domestic earnings are still being tallied, fresh reports have shed light on what the film’s main stars earned for donning their iconic roles.
Superman Cast Salaries
Entertainment journalist Matthew Belloni, writing for Puck, revealed insider details on the cast’s paychecks. According to him, Nicholas Hoult—who plays arch-nemesis Lex Luthor—is the highest-paid actor in the film’s core trio, taking home $2 million.
Meanwhile, David Corenswet, the new face of Superman/Clark Kent, earned $750,000—a standard sum for newcomers stepping into major franchise roles. Rachel Brosnahan, best known for her Emmy-winning role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, also received $750,000 for playing Lois Lane. Belloni noted that all three leads are reportedly in line for box office performance bonuses.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
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Nicholas Hoult is no stranger to comic book films, having played Beast in the X-Men series. His recent credits include The Menu, Nosferatu, and The Great.
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David Corenswet is a rising star, with appearances in Pearl and Netflix’s The Politician.
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Rachel Brosnahan gained fame through The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, earning critical acclaim and awards for her portrayal of a 1950s stand-up comic.
Critical Response and Themes
The film has garnered largely positive early reactions. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 83% critic score based on 230 reviews. While some critics point to Hollywood’s continued dependence on reboots and superhero fare, Gunn’s vision appears to be resonating with audiences.
Superman explores the duality of Clark Kent’s identity—caught between his Kryptonian heritage and his loyalty to humanity. In a bold narrative turn, Superman is forced to intervene in a foreign conflict where a tyrant wages war on a helpless nation for its resources—an allegorical nod to global power struggles, including the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
With strong word of mouth and political relevance, Superman could prove to be not just a box office juggernaut but also a defining chapter in the hero’s cinematic legacy.
