James Gunn has pointed to negative attitudes toward the United States as a factor in why Superman’s new film is earning significantly more in the U.S. than abroad. While the James Gunn Superman box office impact has been strong domestically, the movie has not matched that success in many international markets.
Domestic Versus Global Earnings Breakdown
The first installment in the newly rebooted DC Universe has achieved impressive box office results, accumulating $426 million globally. However, about $253 million of this total has been generated by American viewers, resulting in a noticeable disparity between domestic and international revenues. This difference is unusual compared to modern blockbusters, which often rely heavily on overseas markets for a large share of their earnings.
Factors Behind the Varied International Performance
Gunn acknowledged during an interview with Rolling Stone that while international ticket sales are improving steadily, some regions have not embraced Superman as strongly as the U.S. He highlighted countries like Brazil and the United Kingdom where the film is doing well but explained that in some parts of the world, Superman remains a less familiar figure than other superheroes such as Batman.
This lack of global recognition contributes to weaker performance in certain markets. Gunn also cited broader geopolitical attitudes, specifically anti-American sentiment, as an additional challenge affecting the movie‘s worldwide appeal. He said,
“Superman is not a known commodity in some places. He is not a big known superhero in some places like Batman is.”
He further explained,
“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.”
Optimism for Growth and Future Potential
Despite the obstacles, Gunn expressed confidence in the project’s future prospects. He described the current international performance as a starting point for continued expansion and growth.
“I think it’s just a matter of letting something grow. But again, for us, everything’s been a total win. Having the movie come out and be something that has been embraced by people everywhere — this is just the seed of the tree that Peter (Safran, DC co-CEO) and I have been watering for the past three years. So to be able to have it start off so positively has been incredibly overwhelming,”
Gunn said.
Broader Context of Anti-American Sentiment Impacting Films
This is not the first occasion in 2023 where anti-American feelings have been seen to affect Hollywood films overseas. Earlier in the year, the Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2’s fanbase openly opposed the release of Captain America: Brave New World in China. One critic asserted,
“In reality, the US does not have superheroes and the US is not a peace-loving, peace-defending beacon for humanity,”
illustrating how geopolitical tensions can influence perceptions of American superhero movies abroad.
Understanding the Implications for DC’s Future
The challenges in international markets underscore the cultural and political complexities facing American superhero franchises like Superman. While the domestic audience has eagerly embraced James Gunn’s interpretation of Clark Kent, expanding the character’s global popularity will require navigating these underlying sentiments. Continued positive word of mouth and gradual audience growth abroad will be key as the DC Universe evolves under Gunn’s leadership alongside Peter Safran.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn prefer DC or Marvel?
A. By 1961, Gunn had graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor’s in physics and math. In 1966, he finished his PhD in astronomy and physics at the California Institute of Technology. His dissertation was titled “On the Statistical Distribution of Galaxies in Space and Some Cosmological Implications.”
Q. Does James Gunn prefer Marvel or DC?
A. This list includes names such as Bane, General Zod, Ra’s Al Ghul, and Lex Luthor. However, the Joker stands out as the most popular villain in the DC universe.
Q. Is James Gunn DC or Marvel?
A. James Gunn, famous for directing the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies for Marvel, joined DC Studios in 2018. This move came after Marvel let him go due to old tweets that resurfaced.
