James Gunn, along with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, responded enthusiastically to the successful opening weekend of Superman, marking a significant moment in the James Gunn Superman DCU launch. The film earned $122 million domestically and totaled $217 million worldwide, signaling strong audience interest in the new direction of the DC Universe.
On the social platform Threads, Gunn expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the human element in his portrayal of the iconic character.
“I’m incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days. We’ve had a lot of ‘Super’ in Superman over the years, and I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part of the equation – a kind person always looking out for those in need,”
Gunn wrote.
He added,
“That that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings. Thank you.”
His comments underline the thoughtful approach taken in the film, focusing on the core values of the character rather than just spectacle.
David Zaslav Highlights the Strategy Behind DC’s Revitalization
David Zaslav shared insights about the broader vision for the DC Universe under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Since bringing them on board three years ago, Zaslav has tasked the duo with reshaping the DC creative landscape, aiming to unify the storytelling and renew excitement around one of the world’s most beloved franchises.
Recalling his first meeting with Gunn, Zaslav noted how the director’s personal connection to the DC heroes stood out.
“He spoke about growing up in Missouri and how the characters of the DC Universe weren’t just stories to him, they were like his family. His personal bond with these DC heroes was powerful and I knew then that James was the right person to bring them to life. His love for the DC world runs deep, and it shines in every frame of his work.”
Zaslav celebrated the film’s success and outlined upcoming projects that build on this momentum:
“This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step. Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max, all part of a bold ten-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
What the Future Holds for the DC Universe
The strong launch of Superman marks the beginning of a carefully planned decade-long strategy for the DC franchise under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s guidance. The slate of upcoming projects, including new films and streaming series, aims to deepen the narrative and expand the universe’s reach across multiple platforms.
With Gunn’s passion for storytelling and Zaslav’s strategic support, the DCU’s relaunch seeks to blend respect for its rich history with ambitious new storytelling directions. This approach could redefine how audiences engage with DC’s characters, setting a new standard for superhero cinema. As more titles roll out, the industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this vision unfolds.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, Marvel let go of James Gunn because some of his old tweets, which included offensive jokes about sensitive topics, caused a public backlash.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu inspired the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation. Gunn, raised in a Catholic family, values prayer but describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and still finds prayer important. However, he has also expressed being “somewhat against religion.”
