James Gunn on Superman and Fantastic Four box office competition became a hot topic as the release dates draw near, with Superman set for July 11, 2025, and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps to follow just two weeks later. The timing has prompted fans and media to frame their debuts as a head-to-head DC versus Marvel event.
Release Plans Set the Stage for a Box Office Showdown
James Gunn, the director of the new Superman film and a former Marvel filmmaker behind the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, recently addressed speculation over the supposed rivalry between both upcoming blockbusters. The films are scheduled for July releases, landing Superman ahead of its Marvel counterpart, which premieres at the height of San Diego Comic Con. This tight window is fueling discussions about whether the movies are destined to compete for the same audience and box office dollars.
On Threads, a social media user asked Gunn about the online conversations pitting the two films against each other. Gunn, who maintains strong ties with Marvel creators, responded,
They come out two weeks after us – there’s room for us both! I love my friends at Marvel. You can find whatever discussions you’d want to find online. I’d focus on all the positivity around the films instead of getting sucked up in online fan wars.
-James Gunn, Director
How Box Office Patterns May Impact Both Films
The proximity of these major premieres naturally raises questions about box office performance and sustainability for each movie. Generally, most films draw their biggest crowds during the opening weekend, which typically accounts for about a third of their overall earnings. The initial turnout is largely made up of dedicated fans eager to experience the spectacle first, followed by more casual viewers, those catching the buzz, and audiences drawn in by word of mouth.
Superman’s strongest weekends will likely precede the opening of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. After its initial run, Superman will encounter reduced ticket sales as attention shifts to the Marvel entry. This overlap, however, does not guarantee failure for either film. As history has shown, years when multiple superhero blockbusters are released in close proximity—like 2016, when Deadpool, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America: Civil War, and X-Men: Apocalypse all premiered within months—have brought substantial success across the genre.
Spotlight on Superman: Cast, Story, and Creative Team
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent, also known as Superman and Kal-El, navigating a double life in Metropolis. Audiences will also see Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult in the role of Lex Luthor, and Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt, known as Mister Terrific. Helmed by James Gunn, with a writing team that includes Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the film is produced by Lars P. Winther and Peter Safran under the DCU banner. The story follows Clark Kent as he tries to reconcile his Kryptonian roots with his upbringing on Earth, ultimately growing into his responsibilities as Superman.
The Fantastic Four: Newest MCU Chapter and Its Ensemble
The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, introduces Marvel’s classic heroes—Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The screenplay credits Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee. This film presents the First Family in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic setting, taking on cosmic threats from Galactus and the Silver Surfer while strengthening their familial ties. Producers Jamie Christopher, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Tim Lewis support the project under the Marvel Studios banner.
Industry Perspective: Why Competition Could Benefit the Genre
Gunn’s view aligns with patterns seen in the industry, where close releases have sometimes fueled greater total box office results rather than diminished each film’s success. Drawing on recent examples, Moana 2 and Wicked both thrived during the Thanksgiving period, demonstrating that multiple blockbusters can concurrently find commercial success without diminishing each other’s audience.
While fans have a long tradition of staging DC versus Marvel rivalries, Gunn’s response is a reminder that a robust superhero film market often benefits from healthy competition and increased excitement. Rather than drawing lines, such competitive energy can deliver momentum for both franchises and the industry at large.
Looking Beyond: Upcoming Films from DC and Marvel
The superhero slate for the next years is packed with potential. For DC fans, sights are set not only on Superman but also on films like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and The Batman Part II. Meanwhile, Marvel Studios prepares to release Thunderbolts*, Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Avengers: Secret Wars, alongside The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This impressive lineup indicates ongoing investment and interest in both comic book universes by studios and audiences alike.
The near-simultaneous release of Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps has sparked heated conversation, but from the perspective of James Gunn and industry trends, there is a clear path for both films to succeed. The evolution of the superhero genre, with prominent figures like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and modern creatives such as Matt Shakman and Kevin Feige, continues to shape the landscape. As box office watchers and fans anticipate the summer of 2025, the only near certainty is that the excitement—and competition—will be intense, but ultimately beneficial for all involved.
