In the climax of “Superman” — the first feature film under the DC Studios banner, and the official big screen launch of the new DC Universe — the city of Metropolis is split in two.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Superman” grossed an estimated $56.5 million domestically on Friday, on top of $22.5 million in Thursday previews.

Ozu served as more than just inspiration. Gunn’s pup also became the physical model for Krypto, who is computer-generated so he can do things like soar through the sky and attack villains.

S uperman has been out in cinemas for less than a day, but DC is already thinking about what’s coming next from James Gunn ’s DCU. And, according to reports, the director wants to make spin-offs for some of the movie’s most loved characters.

Despite the odds, Gunn’s Superman not only reached the high bar set by Donner’s film, but it actually improved upon the latter on several fronts, making it a far superior movie.