The question now is if DC Studios can keep the momentum going with movies about Supergirl and Clayface.

"Superman" is well-liked and should play for weeks in the U.S., but DC's path back to tentpole powerhouse status will take time.

Gunn’s “Superman” also outperformed recent comic book movies from both studios. Marvel’s last release, "Thunderbolts*," debuted at $74.3 million in May, and before that, “Captain America: Brave New World” premiered at $88.8 million.