James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Proves It Has No Staying Power Across The World

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While James Gunn’s Superman performed well in the United States, it struggled to gain traction in international markets.

And now Sony boss Tom Rothman is indirectly highlighting exactly why that matters.

Rothman hasn’t directly addressed Gunn, Superman, or the DC Universe, but his recent emphasis on international box office success highlights the disappointing overseas performance of the Superman movie – a point industry sources have been making for quite some time.

International Box Office Is Everything

Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman recently appeared on the podcast The Town with Matt Beloni to talk about the importance of movie stars. He believes they still draw audiences, but only when they’re in good movies.

He pointed to Sydney Sweeney and The Housemaid as proof.

Rothman said: “Housemaid, terrific hit. That’s a big hit movie.”

He then highlighted the key to their success: both Housemaid and Anyone But You were massive hits worldwide, and that’s something people often overlook.

That last part is key.

The Housemaid earned 65.8% of its box office from international markets, with Anyone But You at 59.9%.

Rothman reveals that’s what studios want. Global appeal. Overseas strength. Long legs.

Superman Fell Short Overseas

As a big movie fan, I was looking at the box office numbers, and it’s interesting to see how James Gunn’s Superman performed globally. It seems like only about 42.7% of its total earnings came from theaters outside of the US – that’s quite a bit lower than some other big releases.

It’s not simply a decrease—it’s a significant one. According to sources familiar with the situation, international viewers, particularly in Asia, strongly disliked the new Superman portrayal by James Gunn.

Who does the foreign DC audience favor? The SnyderVerse.

SnyderVerse connected with DC fans

Zack Snyder’s DC movies did particularly well internationally, adding to their success in the US and around the world.

  • Man of Steel — 56.6% international
  • Batman v Superman — 62.2% international
  • Justice League (theatrical version) — 65.4% international

The numbers don’t lie, as the global audience showed up for the SnyderVerse.

Gunn’s Superman didn’t generate anywhere near that same level of international interest.

And per Rothman’s comments, that matters more than ever in today’s theatrical landscape.

Shortened Superman Theatrical Window Speaks Volumes

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently told Congress, while under oath, that movies that aren’t doing well in theaters have shorter release windows before becoming available on the streaming service.

Superman hit VOD after just 35 days.

The industry norm remains around 45 days.

Movie studios don’t cut back on promotional efforts for films that are already doing well globally. They only reduce promotion if a movie isn’t gaining traction.

Similar to the disappointing performance in international markets and the lukewarm response from fans abroad, this reinforces the idea that Gunn’s Superman lacks lasting global appeal.

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2026-02-25 05:01