James Gunn‘s Superman has emerged as a heartfelt and thoughtfully crafted film, yet it struggles with box office performance amid growing anti-American sentiment. Released in early July, the movie has faced unexpected obstacles in matching the commercial success of competitors like Jurassic World Rebirth.
An Ambitious Film That Falls Short Commercially
Superman, directed by James Gunn, delivers an immigrant-centered narrative wrapped in themes of hope, love, and solidarity. The movie has been praised for tackling the superhero’s crises of faith while resonating emotionally with audiences. However, despite its well-received story and powerful message, the film is failing to meet box office expectations, losing ground to other high-profile releases.
As the third week of July passed, Superman had amassed roughly $407 million worldwide, a respectable figure yet considerably below that of Jurassic World Rebirth, which grossed $648 million despite criticisms of its weak plot. This discrepancy is surprising given the stronger thematic depth and fresh vision presented in Gunn’s film compared to the competing reboot.
After long periods of divided fan opinions and inconsistent direction within the DC Universe, James Gunn’s Superman brought much-needed cohesion and optimism. Fans welcomed it as a revitalizing force during a time of superhero fatigue, earning critical praise. Nevertheless, the film’s commercial results reveal that broader factors are hindering its full success in theaters.
Political Undercurrents Affecting Audience Reception
James Gunn has openly discussed the challenges facing his Superman movie related to political contexts woven into its storyline. The film includes metaphorical layers that reflect modern sociopolitical issues, including immigration and international conflict between fictional Eastern European and Middle Eastern nations. Some segments of the audience have found these elements difficult to separate from reality, impacting their reception.
In a July 20 interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn explained the hurdles the film encounters:
“Superman is not a known commodity in some places. He is not a big known superhero in some places like Batman is. That affects things. And it also affects things that we have a certain amount of anti-American sentiment around the world right now. It isn’t really helping us.”
—James Gunn, DC chief and filmmaker
Gunn’s comment highlights how global perceptions of the Superman character and political sentiments interplay to influence box office results. This fusion of entertainment and contemporary geopolitical attitudes presents barriers that the film’s cinematic qualities alone cannot overcome.
The Broader Impact on the DC Universe and Future Prospects
The underperformance of Superman at the box office is a significant moment for the DC Universe under James Gunn’s stewardship. While the movie’s story aims to unite and inspire, the prevailing cultural and political climate creates headwinds that complicate its widespread acceptance.
With Jurassic World Rebirth leading in commercial earnings despite lacking the depth found in Superman, it is clear that external factors beyond filmmaking craft are shaping audience choices. This situation spotlights how ideological divisions can transcend art, directly affecting industry dynamics.
Looking ahead, the results for Superman may prompt DC and James Gunn to reassess how sensitive themes are integrated into future narratives to better connect with a fragmented global audience. The film remains available to viewers worldwide, continuing to offer its message of unity even as it faces an uncertain path in box office standings.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a family that followed Catholic beliefs. He has stated that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also described himself as “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. Before becoming co-CEO of DC Studios in 2022, Gunn worked with Marvel on the Guardians of the Galaxy films. He directed The Suicide Squad in 2021 for DC, having been let go by Marvel before being rehired for Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The updated CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie was inspired by Ozu. Despite being brought up in a Catholic home, Gunn has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he describes himself as being somewhat against organized religion.
