‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Roars to U.K. Box Office No. 1 as Superman Hype Builds for Political Reboot

The dinosaurs are back on top—and just in time to clear the stage for a very different kind of hero. Universal’s Jurassic World Rebirth stormed into the No. 1 spot at the U.K. and Ireland box office this past weekend, pulling in an impressive £12.4 million ($17 million) debut. Directed by The Creator’s Gareth Edwards and headlined by Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, the latest entry in the iconic franchise proves audiences still have an appetite for prehistoric spectacle.

But as Rebirth stomps ahead, another massive title is waiting in the wings: James Gunn’s bold new take on Superman, set to hit theatres July 11.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ F1, starring Brad Pitt, held strong in second place, bringing its total to $17.6 million after adding $4.1 million in its second week. Universal’s animated hit How to Train Your Dragon claimed third with a steady $2 million, raising its total to $24.8 million after four weeks.

The rest of the top five were rounded out by Sony’s gritty dystopian thriller 28 Years Later ($1.9 million, total $16.9 million) and Disney’s family-friendly Elio, now sitting at $4.1 million after three weeks.

Outside of the box office rankings, all eyes are turning toward James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman reboot, which is already drawing attention for its topical relevance. Gunn, now co-head of DC Studios, describes his version of the Man of Steel as “the story of America”—a narrative grounded in immigrant identity, moral conviction, and a deep desire to reclaim basic human kindness.

“Superman is the story of America,” Gunn told The Sunday Times. “An immigrant who came from other places and populated the country.” His version of the hero, played by David Corenswet, aims to reflect modern political tensions in the U.S., particularly debates around immigration, nationalism, and what it means to be good in a world overrun by cynicism.

Gunn’s approach is emotionally charged but not overtly partisan. “It’s about human kindness,” he said. “And obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive… but screw them.”

Starring Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film isn’t just a retelling—it’s a reimagining. It dives into Superman’s early moral dilemmas, exploring the tension between idealism and compromise. Gunn wants audiences to reflect on those differences—not through epic battles, but through relationships and values.

“There is a meanness that has emerged due to cultural figures being mean online,” Gunn added. “This Superman feels needed now.”

Back in cinemas, a wave of new international and indie titles also launched this week, including Jonás Trueba’s Cannes-winning The Other Way Around, the 4K re-release of Argentine cult classic Nine Queens, and the documentary Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes.

But make no mistake—the spotlight is shifting. As Jurassic World Rebirth roars through its first week, anticipation for Superman is rising like the sun over Metropolis. And with Gunn promising not just spectacle, but soul, it may prove to be the superhero film we didn’t know we needed right now.