James Gunn Says American Backlash Hurt Superman, But Box Office History Says Otherwise

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Trump’s fault?

James Gunn provides a rationale as to why his Superman reboot hasn’t been resonating universally, and he attributes this not to any issues with the film itself.

In simpler terms, the majority of ticket sales for the movie ‘Superman’ are coming from within the U.S., accounting for about 58%. This could indicate potential trouble because large-scale productions often need strong performances in foreign markets to ensure their success.

What does James Gunn say about the Superman international box office?

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn admitted that the international reception wasn’t as strong as expected, but he also attributed this to external factors such as the worldwide viewpoint towards the United States.

In certain regions, Superman is less recognized compared to characters like Batman. This lack of recognition impacts various aspects and also doesn’t help our current image abroad, which is somewhat negative towards America.

As a seasoned movie critic, I can confidently say that Zack Snyder’s “Superman” remains a triumphant feat, with its current box office earnings surpassing the $409 million mark. This cinematic juggernaut serves as a beacon, lighting the way for the evolving universe of DC Films.

I believe we simply need to let our project flourish, and it’s fantastic that it has! The release of the movie and its warm reception worldwide is like planting a seed for Peter and me, which we’ve nurtured for three years. To see such a positive beginning is both thrilling and overwhelming.

Gunn’s Superman vs DC

But is Gunn’s argument valid when we compare Superman and Batman’s international earnings, as well as Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam and Zack Snyder’s Superman films, including the 2017 Justice League directed by Whedon?

  • Superman (2025): $171.8M international (no China)
  • The Batman (2022): $402.9M international
  • Black Adam (2022): $225.3M international (also no China)
  • Man of Steel (2013): $379M international — which adjusts to $524.8M in 2025 dollars
  • Justice League (2017): $432.4M international — over $569M today
  • Batman v Superman (2016): $543.3M international — or over $731M today

It’s worth mentioning that despite being generally perceived as a letdown, Black Adam has surprisingly outperformed Superman in international markets, even without a release in China, where Johnson enjoys immense popularity. At this point, Gunn’s Superman is struggling in China and other Asian markets.

But Other “American” Movies Are Doing Just Fine

What about other “American” movies?

Gunn’s criticism of America seems surprising given the enormous global acclaim for “Top Gun: Maverick,” a film often considered incredibly patriotic, and one of the most successful American movies ever made. The sequel raked in over $776 million internationally alone, and a staggering $1.495 billion worldwide. Similarly, Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” earned an impressive $393M this year.

How about the idea of an American being a Formula 1 driver for Apple’s F1, which is currently earning over $307 million internationally?

Clearly, “pro-American” messaging isn’t automatically box office poison overseas as Gunn suggests.

What’s Really Going On?

Rather than striking a chord with worldwide viewers, it appears that Superman is failing to impress, and Gunn’s remarks seem less about offering insight and more about diverting attention.

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The movie had a big promotional campaign, featuring a “World Tour” and much anticipation for years, signifying the start of a fresh DC Universe. Yet, we’re seeing lower attendance from overseas audiences. Could it be that Gunn’s focus on self-promotion in marketing efforts may have negatively impacted its international reception?

Given the tepid response from international viewers towards Superman, how might this impact the upcoming DCU film featuring Supergirl? What could be the implications if Matt Reeves’ Batman is introduced by James Gunn?

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2025-07-22 02:01