James Gunn’s Superman, the highly anticipated reboot of the iconic superhero franchise, has soared to impressive heights in the U.S., grossing over $122 million during its opening weekend. However, its international performance has sparked heated discussions among fans and industry insiders alike. Despite critical acclaim and a strong domestic debut, the film has faced unexpected challenges in global markets, prompting Gunn to offer a surprising explanation: Superman’s distinctly American identity may be a hurdle in some regions. This article delves into the film’s box office journey, Gunn’s perspective on its international struggles, and what this means for the future of the DC Universe (DCU).

Superman, directed and written by James Gunn, marks the first chapter of the newly restructured DCU under Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran. Released on July 11, 2025, the film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The movie has been praised for its emotional depth, vibrant visuals, and a fresh take on the Man of Steel, earning an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 93% audience score on the Popcornmeter. Critics have lauded its balance of heart, action, and humor, with MovieWeb’s Julian Roman calling it a “game-changer for the DC Universe.”

The film’s domestic performance has been a triumph. It grossed $122 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend, securing the third-highest domestic debut of 2025. By midweek, it set a record for the biggest Wednesday box office of the year, adding $11.8 million to its tally, bringing its global total to over $260 million. Gunn expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response, stating, “I’m incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm,” in a Deadline interview. The film’s success in the U.S. has solidified its position as a cornerstone for the DCU’s ambitious “Gods and Monsters” phase.

Despite its domestic dominance, Superman has struggled to replicate this success overseas. The film earned $95 million internationally during its opening weekend, a respectable figure but notably softer than expected in key markets like Asia and parts of Europe. In China, for instance, the film grossed just $6.6 million through its first weekend, with projections estimating a total run of around $11 million. This underwhelming performance has raised eyebrows, especially given the high expectations for a character as globally recognized as Superman.

Gunn has not shied away from addressing these challenges. In a statement reported by Variety, he noted, “We’re definitely performing better domestically than we are internationally, but internationally is also rising and having really good weekday numbers.” He attributed the film’s softer international performance to a combination of factors, including what he described as “a certain amount of anti-American sentiment around the world.” This claim has sparked both curiosity and controversy, as it suggests that Superman’s association with American values—truth, justice, and the American way—may be impacting its global appeal.

Gunn’s assertion that anti-American sentiment is affecting Superman’s international box office has ignited debate. In an interview with The Independent, he elaborated, “Superman is not a well-known superhero in some places like Batman is.” This statement surprised many, given Superman’s status as a cultural icon for nearly a century. However, Gunn argues that in certain regions, the character’s overtly American identity may not resonate as strongly as other superheroes with more universal or less explicitly nationalistic appeal.

The director’s comments point to a broader cultural context. Superman, as portrayed in the film, embodies ideals that Peter Safran described as “kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.” David Corenswet’s Clark Kent is depicted as a 25-year-old journalist navigating his dual identity while grappling with public scrutiny and personal relationships. Gunn emphasized that the character is a “public-facing figure” who strives to project calm authority, drawing inspiration from the All-Star Superman comic and Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal. Yet, in markets like China and parts of Europe, where geopolitical tensions or differing cultural values may influence audience perceptions, this quintessentially American hero may face resistance.

Some analysts suggest that “superhero fatigue” could also be a factor. Deadline noted that China, in particular, has shown signs of waning interest in superhero films, with Superman’s performance trailing behind other DC successes like Aquaman and Joker. In contrast, Brazil emerged as a strong market, with the film grossing $5.9 million and outperforming several Marvel and DC titles. Gunn’s decision to attend a premiere in Beijing without the main cast may have limited the film’s promotional impact in China, further complicating its international run.

Despite its international struggles, Superman has garnered widespread praise for its storytelling and performances. David Corenswet’s portrayal has been hailed as a definitive take on the character, blending strength with vulnerability. One IMDb reviewer enthused, “Corenswet owns the cape—he’s charming, powerful, and finally gives us a Superman we can believe in.” Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane has also received acclaim for her wit and intelligence, while Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor has been described as “insane” and “relentless” in his villainy.

The inclusion of Krypto, Superman’s loyal dog, has been a divisive yet memorable element. While some fans adored Krypto’s significant screen time, others, like a source cited by World of Reel, found it “jarring” and felt the story fell flat. Nevertheless, the film’s emotional core and Gunn’s signature blend of humor and heart have resonated with audiences, with one X post likening it to “original Avengers vibes.”

The stakes for Superman are high, as its performance is seen as a litmus test for the DCU’s viability. Warner Bros. and DC Studios are banking on Gunn’s vision to rival Marvel’s cinematic universe, but the film’s international challenges have raised concerns. A Deadline report projected a potential 50% drop in box office revenue in its second weekend, a standard decline but one that underscores the need for sustained momentum. Meanwhile, the DCU is moving forward with projects like Supergirl, set for release in June 2026, and a Wonder Woman film in development.

Gunn remains optimistic, emphasizing the film’s positive word-of-mouth and strong weekday numbers. “The word of mouth is very positive, which is the thing that we needed to do the most,” he told DCUSuperNews. This optimism is echoed by fans, with one X user proclaiming, “This isn’t just a reboot—it’s a full-on resurrection of everything we love about Superman!”

The discussion around Superman’s box office performance touches on broader questions about cultural representation in blockbuster filmmaking. Gunn’s comments about anti-American sentiment have sparked debates about whether superhero films can transcend national identities in an increasingly polarized world. Some critics argue that the film’s focus on Superman as an immigrant—a narrative Gunn highlighted before its release—may have fueled perceptions of “wokeness,” though he dismissed such criticisms, stating, “I don’t get how Superman is considered woke.” This tension highlights the delicate balance filmmakers face in crafting stories that resonate globally while staying true to a character’s roots.

As Superman continues its theatrical run, its ability to maintain domestic momentum and recover internationally will be crucial. The film’s critical success and passionate fanbase provide a strong foundation, but its global performance will likely shape the DCU’s trajectory. For now, Gunn’s bold vision has reinvigorated the Man of Steel, proving that even in a world skeptical of kindness, Superman’s message of hope endures.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the DCU, Superman offers a compelling blend of action, emotion, and optimism. Will it overcome its international challenges to cement its place as a global blockbuster? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: James Gunn’s Superman is a film that dares to dream big, cape and all.