Superman Soars Again: Man of Steel Unbelievably Outperforms Black Adam at the Global Box Office

In a cinematic turn of events that has left many scratching their heads and others nodding in knowing affirmation, Zack Snyder's 2013 superhero epic, "Man of Steel," has officially triumphed over a much newer contender, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's 2022 anti-hero vehicle, "Black Adam," in the global box office arena.

This isn't just a minor victory; it's a resounding statement on the enduring power of the Superman brand, even for a film that polarized critics and audiences upon its initial release.

For context, "Man of Steel," which served as the foundational launchpad for the original DCEU, concluded its theatrical run nearly a decade ago with a worldwide gross of approximately $668 million.

Fast forward to 2022, "Black Adam," a film heavily marketed as a game-changer for the DC universe and starring one of Hollywood's biggest box office draws, wrapped up its run with a disappointing global total of roughly $393 million. The stark contrast in these numbers, particularly given the nine-year gap between their releases, underscores a fascinating dynamic within the superhero film landscape.

The implications of "Man of Steel" out-earning "Black Adam" are multi-layered.

Firstly, it speaks volumes about the inherent, deeply rooted appeal of Superman. Despite criticisms leveled at Snyder's interpretation of the iconic hero, the character's legacy and global recognition are undeniable. Even a divisive film featuring the Last Son of Krypton appears to possess more drawing power over time than a heavily promoted new entry with a charismatic lead, especially when that new entry struggled to resonate broadly.

Secondly, this comparison casts a revealing light on the challenges faced by the original DCEU under Warner Bros.

Discovery. "Black Adam" was positioned as a cornerstone for future DC storytelling, championed vocally by Johnson himself as the "hierarchy of power" shift. Its underperformance, coupled with an older film's quiet, sustained victory, highlights a fundamental disconnect between audience expectations, brand recognition, and execution within the DC cinematic strategy of that era.

While "Man of Steel" may not be universally beloved, its box office longevity against a contemporary rival serves as a potent reminder: the power of classic, iconic characters often transcends immediate critical reception or franchise missteps.

Superman, even in his darker cinematic iterations, holds a unique and indelible place in popular culture that even the mightiest new contenders struggle to replicate, especially when they fail to capture the imagination of a global audience.

This surprising box office outcome solidifies a simple truth: you can't keep a good Kryptonian down.

Whether soaring to save the world or quietly accumulating box office numbers over a decade, Superman continues to demonstrate why he remains the gold standard of superhero lore.