China Has Zero Interest In James Gunn’s Supergirl: Another Flop Incoming

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Recent information from China indicates that James Gunn’s Supergirl movie isn’t generating much interest in what is a key movie-going market.

Even though James Gunn wasn’t officially the director of Supergirl, the movie heavily borrows from the style he established with Guardians of the Galaxy. Craig Gillespie likely got the directing job only after agreeing to use Gunn’s humorous approach for the DC Universe. This same approach reportedly led to the cancellation of projects like Swamp Thing and Sgt. Rock.

A recent list of the most anticipated foreign films in China for 2026 doesn’t mention Supergirl.

Topping the list is Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday, which was the most eagerly awaited foreign film in China this year.

Supergirl Missing From China’s 2026 Anticipation List

This ranking, based on data from Douban – China’s most popular site for movie and TV information – shows what Chinese viewers are looking forward to in 2026.

Supergirl didn’t make the cut.

This is a significant warning sign, particularly because DC has historically depended on international sales to make up for lower performance within the United States.

China Has Always Favored The SnyderVerse

My sources confirm a strong preference among Chinese audiences for the SnyderVerse over James Gunn’s DC plans.

Movies such as Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, Justice League, and Aquaman were particularly successful in China, frequently earning more revenue there than in their home markets.

Zack Snyder’s films, known for their dark atmosphere, grand scope, and serious themes, proved more popular internationally than James Gunn’s movies, which leaned towards humor and social commentary.

Gunn’s Superman Already Struggled Overseas

The warning signs are already here.

James Gunn’s Superman movie didn’t attract many viewers internationally. Initial interest outside of the United States was low, and now it looks like the upcoming Supergirl movie is struggling with the same issue – and potentially to a greater degree.

If China doesn’t show interest before the film’s marketing really gets going, it likely means the movie won’t be successful internationally.

I’ve talked to fans from other countries and friends who immigrated, and they all said the same thing: Gunn’s Superman seemed to make fun of Asian characters, unnecessarily included American political opinions, and lost the inspiring, universal quality that made Snyder’s films popular globally. They saw Snyder’s Man of Steel as a positive story about immigrants and powerful heroes, which is why it was so well-received, particularly in China and other parts of the world. They feel Gunn’s new DC Universe sends a negative message—that immigrants are better off leaving their families behind and starting over.

James Gunn’s Superman movie didn’t do as well internationally as the previous DC films directed by Zack Snyder, earning only $262.5 million overseas and a disappointing $8.9 million in China.

In contrast, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Justice League all earned hundreds of millions of dollars more overseas, particularly in China, which brought in between $63 million and $106 million. This shows that Snyder’s DC films were much more popular with international audiences.

Supergirl Shaping Up As Another DCU Flop

With negative reactions to the trailer, disappointing test screenings, and now a lack of interest in China, it’s looking more and more like the Supergirl movie will be a significant failure.

Look, I love superhero movies, but it feels like female-led ones just haven’t found their footing. Besides Zack Snyder’s Wonder Woman, they haven’t really been big hits. Captain Marvel did okay, but I think that was mostly because it came out right between the two Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame movies – people were just hyped for anything Marvel at that point. And the recent failure of The Marvels kind of proves that point, doesn’t it?

The studio relies on viewers outside the US to stay afloat, but currently isn’t reaching them. Without support from China – and the dedicated fanbase that previously helped DC films succeed internationally – Supergirl risks performing as poorly at the box office as Gunn’s Superman.

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2025-12-29 07:02