With all the hype surrounding DC Studios’ ‘Supergirl’, it may be that the film is in a better situation than some fans realize, thanks to a newly reported budget. After James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, there have been some wondering whether or not Kara Zor-El’s first solo DCU film will be able to compete with the box office success of the Man of Steel.
However, the answer might not be related to earning the same amount of money. Rather, ‘Supergirl’ might be just as successful, but with much lower global box office takings.
A Smaller Budget Could Make ‘Supergirl’ DC’s Next Big Victory
New reports estimate ‘Supergirl’ was made on a $175 million budget. It is still a big hit investment. However, it is less than the reported $225 million that it cost to produce Superman. That disparity could make a significant difference in the film’s box office performance.
Related: Milly Alcock Opens Up About The Emotional Difference Between’ Supergirl And ‘Superman’
In the past, Hollywood has calculated that a film must gross about two to two-and-a-half times its production cost to be profitable after accounting for marketing and distribution.
On that basis, it seems like ‘Supergirl’ has a much easier financial hurdle to jump. The film could only break even in the mid-$300 million mark worldwide, and better numbers could easily put it in profit. Flexibility is key. While the audience is familiar with the name ‘Superman’, that’s not the same as the name of Kara Zor-El.
Why Box Office Comparisons Could Be Misleading
After the film has grossed over $600 million globally and started the DCU off on a high note, it’s easy to compare every new DC release to ‘Superman’. However, raw box office figures don’t always tell the whole story.
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The success of a movie is usually judged by its expenses, expectations, and potential for future profit to a franchise. In that respect, ‘Supergirl’ might have an easy leg to stand on. The film also has the benefit of the increasing interest in Milly Alcock’s interpretation of the character.
The fans were thirsty for more information about this more difficult and unpredictable Kara after her brief appearance in ‘Superman’. If tracking is better early on and word-of-mouth is positive, then ‘Supergirl’ might be one of DC’s best investments and not just the biggest earner.
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