Before Superman soared at the global box office, he delivered a windfall on the ground.

According to a new report from the Motion Picture Association, James Gunn’s DC reboot generated more than $100 million in direct spending across Georgia and Ohio, with the production supporting thousands of jobs, small businesses, and local infrastructure in two states that have become cornerstones of the film industry’s incentive-fueled geography.

The Warner Bros. Discovery tentpole logged 68 production days in metro Atlanta, contributing $82.8 million to the local economy. The numbers break down to 1,233 jobs, 2,628 background actors, and partnerships with 441 local businesses, totaling $43.6 million in wages paid in Georgia alone. The production also shelled out millions on everything from lighting and lodging to trucks, tools, and postproduction.

In Cleveland, where Superman filmed for 21 days, the production added $17.5 million in direct local spend. That included nearly 3,000 hires—crew, extras, and cast—who earned $5.9 million in wages while working across 272 Cleveland-based vendors and agencies.

Combined, the film’s total U.S. economic impact topped $100.3 million, with 6,759 hires, 713 vendor relationships, and a detailed expense sheet that included:

• $49.5 million in wages

• $11.8 million in lighting and electrical

• $5.6 million in lodging and catering

• $5.2 million in vehicle rentals

• $4.5 million in lumber and hardware

• $2.5 million in location fees

• $1.04 million in VFX and post

“The moment Superman took flight, Georgia and Ohio saw more than a superhero—they saw the tangible power of investing in storytelling,” said MPA Chairman and CEO Charlie Rivkin. “This is what production looks like in action: high-paying local jobs, support for small businesses, and real economic opportunity.”

The latest Superman film—Gunn’s first DC feature since taking the reins of the studio—opened to $138 million domestically and $233 million worldwide. But for state lawmakers and industry insiders, the behind-the-scenes impact is as headline-worthy as the box office.

On Tuesday, Warner Bros. Discovery and the MPA co-hosted a community screening at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, welcoming crew members, local lawmakers, and small businesses that helped power the production.

“We were thrilled for Georgia to play a leading role in this iconic story,” said Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film and Entertainment Office. “This production highlighted our state’s deep talent pool and infrastructure—and delivered real, lasting benefits for our local economy.”

Lars Winther, DC Studios SVP of Physical Production and Executive Producer on Superman, joined Brandon Reese of the MPA and other officials at the event. Kelsey Moore, Executive Director of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition, called the project “a major win for our state.”

Georgia Representative Kasey Carpenter, Chair of the Georgia House Arts and Entertainment Committee, added, “The film and television industry continues to be a reliable engine of economic growth. I’m proud to support the policies that make Georgia a home for productions like this.”