Superman has always carried the weight of the world, but now he’s shouldering the expectations of rejuvenating Hollywood during trying times. As one of the most iconic characters in the comic book realm, Superman’s return coincides with an industry still striving to find its footing. He’s not alone, however—Marvel Studios is also making a significant comeback with two major films this summer: “Thunderbolts” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
After the COVID-19 pandemic stalled the movie industry five years ago, and two years post-strike, a full recovery remains elusive. Despite the murmurs of superhero fatigue, these films continue to play a crucial role, especially when done well. The $4 billion success of the “Barbenheimer” summer underscores their importance, with “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Spider-Man” movies standing out as top earners. Conversations with filmmakers behind these blockbusters highlight what 2025 might bring.
Hollywood’s summer begins in early May, a crucial 123-day period traditionally representing around 40% of the annual box office. Last year’s absence of a Marvel release at this time was felt, a situation rectified by Disney’s hits later on. This year, Marvel returns to its usual early May slot with “Thunderbolts,” featuring a mix of antiheroes and misfits including Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, and Bucky Barnes.
Jake Schreier, the movie’s director, described it as a fresh take on the genre, aiming to reflect the current state of the world without overt political tones. The narrative promises unexpected twists that diverge from typical superhero tropes. Memorial Day weekend adds more excitement with releases like live-action “Lilo & Stitch” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” Coupled with hits like “Jurassic World,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and a film on Formula One, the 2025 summer season is poised to potentially be the biggest in the post-COVID era.
Historical data shows that, before 2020, most summers since 2007 broke the $4 billion ceiling, except during the pandemic. The influence of other heroes like Batman, whose box office performances outpaced Superman’s, is clear, but focus now shifts to new beginnings. James Gunn, after wrapping up the “Guardians” trilogy, is tasked with crafting Superman’s latest narrative. Gunn’s vision for the film promises a fresh perspective on Superman, focusing on his journey of self-discovery. With David Corenswet stepping in as Clark Kent alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, audiences can expect a different take on these characters.
Meanwhile, Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four, is set for a dazzling reintroduction under Kevin Feige’s watchful eye. Director Matt Shakman, a lifelong fan of the franchise, aims to honor its legacy. Set against a 1960s retro-futuristic backdrop, the film showcases Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, a visionary akin to Steve Jobs, and Vanessa Kirby as a high-powered Sue Storm. Shakman is driven by a deep affinity for the genre and the characters, committing to blend comedy, drama, and grand scale world-building while maintaining heart and humor.
This summer promises a vast array of cinematic offerings beyond superhero adventures. From family-friendly films to thrillers, romantic comedies, and quirky indie gems, the schedule is rich and varied. Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore observes an unprecedented lineup of high-quality and exciting films. Notably, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” helmed by “Jurassic Park” superfan Gareth Edwards, stands out as a major highlight of the season. Edwards acknowledges the immense influence of Steven Spielberg, striving not to disappoint in his tribute to the influential franchise.
Fittingly, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” the original summer blockbuster and a film deeply embedded in the industry’s history. As the summer heats up, the potential for movie magic in a recovering economy is high. Even when ticket prices rise, cinema remains one of the most accessible forms of out-of-home entertainment, and history shows that attendance often climbs during recessions. This summer could see a renaissance of the big screen experience, ushering audiences away from any lingering funk and back into the world of cinematic wonder, as noted by “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski.