Superman is on track to surpass Jurassic World Rebirth in domestic box office earnings by tonight, underscoring James Gunn’s claim about anti-American sentiment affecting international audiences. While the film struggles to perform overseas, it continues to draw strong support from U.S. viewers, highlighting ongoing challenges for Hollywood blockbusters in global markets.
Superman Edging Past Jurassic World in U.S. Box Office Despite Overseas Struggles
Superman, starring David Corenswet, is expected to overtake Jurassic World Rebirth to become the third highest-grossing film domestically in 2025. Although its international revenue remains weak, the domestic numbers demonstrate strong audience reception in the United States. Currently, Superman’s domestic earnings stand at $316 million, narrowly trailing Jurassic World Rebirth’s $317 million, but it is anticipated to surpass that figure shortly.
David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman has garnered attention, although his recognition internationally remains limited, which is one factor behind Superman’s muted overseas performance. In contrast, Jurassic World Rebirth appeals broadly to families and viewers of all ages, contributing to its stronger worldwide box office total of $766 million, compared to Superman’s $551 million.
These figures reinforce James Gunn’s assertion that anti-American sentiment is impacting the reception of American films abroad, a trend that remains difficult to counter despite domestic successes.
James Gunn’s Insight on Global Anti-American Sentiment and Its Impact
James Gunn acknowledged the difficulties facing Superman internationally in an interview with Rolling Stone, linking the film’s overseas performance to a growing anti-American sentiment worldwide. He explained that this sentiment creates a challenging environment for American entertainment products, limiting their appeal beyond U.S. borders.
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. So I think it’s just a matter of letting something grow.
—James Gunn, Director
The contradiction between the domestic and international box office results provides clear evidence supporting Gunn’s observation. While Superman’s domestic earnings are climbing, its international figures lag behind, affirming the director’s view that external cultural factors are influencing global market reception.
Despite this setback, there remains optimism that strategic changes in upcoming DC Universe (DCU) projects could revitalize interest and expand the franchise’s international audience under Gunn’s direction.
Potential Strategies for James Gunn to Address Global Reception Challenges
James Gunn appears poised to enhance the DCU’s appeal by diversifying character representation and refining storytelling approaches, aiming to overcome overseas hesitations without resorting to overt political messaging. Unlike some Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects, which have been criticized for focusing heavily on identity politics, Gunn intends to center narratives on strong storylines enriched by inclusive casting.
In past works, Gunn has successfully integrated diverse characters such as Gamora and Harley Quinn, whose roles feel organic rather than contrived by contemporary social trends. This approach contrasts with some MCU films and series, where emphasis on identity has sometimes eclipsed the plot, alienating portions of the audience.
The strategy moving forward seems to prioritize compelling, coherent storytelling alongside authentic diversity, avoiding what is commonly labeled as “woke” filmmaking while still appealing to a broad audience. This may help the DCU gain traction internationally, mitigating the effects of anti-American sentiment.
By maintaining narrative integrity and inclusive casting, Gunn may strengthen the DCU‘s global competitiveness without compromising creative quality or pandering.
Current Status and Future Outlook for Superman and Jurassic World Rebirth
Both Superman and Jurassic World Rebirth continue to play in theaters across the United States and worldwide. Superman’s potential domestic victory highlights shifting dynamics within the industry, where cultural factors increasingly influence box office outcomes. For James Gunn, these developments validate his concerns and may inform future decisions on how to position the DCU for growth.
As the domestic race between these two major releases intensifies, industry observers will be watching closely to see if Gunn’s adjustments can succeed in broadening the DC franchise’s international audience and overcoming the challenges posed by global perceptions of American media.
