James Gunn’s Superman Box Office Claims Stir Controversy as DCU Faces Marvel’s Fantastic Four Challenge

The superhero cinematic landscape is buzzing with anticipation, drama, and high stakes as James Gunn’s Superman (2025) continues to dominate headlines. The film, marking the official launch of the rebooted DC Universe (DCU) under Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran, has soared to an impressive $122 million domestic box office debut, making it the third-best opening of 2025 and the biggest for a solo Superman film. Yet, despite its strong start, Gunn’s recent comments about the film’s performance have sparked heated debate, with some questioning whether his outspokenness could jeopardize the DCU’s momentum. As Disney’s Marvel prepares to unleash The Fantastic Four: First Steps this weekend, Warner Bros. and DC Studios face a critical moment in their quest to reclaim superhero cinema supremacy.

A Bold Start for the DCU

Superman, written and directed by James Gunn, has been a beacon of hope for DC fans eager for a fresh take on the iconic hero. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film delivers a vibrant, optimistic, and emotionally resonant portrayal of the Man of Steel. Critics have praised its heartfelt storytelling, with an 82% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 94% audience rating, signaling a warm reception. The movie grossed $217 million globally in its opening weekend, a solid foundation for the DCU’s ambitious “Gods and Monsters” chapter, which began with the animated series Creature Commandos in December 2024.

Gunn, no stranger to superhero success after helming Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, has positioned Superman as a love letter to the character’s roots. “Superman is the story of America,” Gunn told The Sunday Times. “An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me, it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.” This message of hope and morality has resonated with audiences, with many calling it the most sincere adaptation since Christopher Reeve’s era. Yet, as the film continues its theatrical run, Gunn’s recent press statements have raised eyebrows, prompting calls for Warner Bros. to rein him in.

Gunn’s “Insane” Box Office Excuse

Despite Superman’s strong domestic performance, its international box office has been less robust, contributing $95 million of the $217 million global total. This disparity has fueled speculation about the film’s long-term success, especially with a reported $225 million production budget and marketing costs potentially pushing the total to $400 million. Warner Bros. executives, according to Variety, had hoped for a global gross exceeding $500 million to solidify the DCU’s viability. While the film is on track to surpass $406.8 million worldwide, some analysts argue it may not reach the billion-dollar mark that could guarantee a wave of new DCU projects.

Gunn, however, has dismissed concerns about the film’s international performance with a bold claim that has left industry insiders and fans divided. In a recent interview on CBS Mornings, he suggested that Superman’s international numbers are less critical because the film’s American-centric narrative—rooted in “truth, justice, and the American way”—naturally appeals more to domestic audiences. “The patina of Superman as an uber-American patriot has never entirely worn off,” Gunn stated, implying that the film’s cultural specificity might explain its overseas challenges. This explanation has been labeled “insane” by some critics, who argue it risks alienating international fans and undermining the DCU’s global ambitions.

The backlash was swift. Film critic Peter Howell took to X, calling Gunn’s comments a misstep: “James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling—or, apparently, at reading the room.” Fans on social media echoed this sentiment, with one user posting, “Gunn needs to stop talking and let the movie speak for itself. DC’s finally got a win, and he’s out here making excuses?” The sentiment reflects a broader concern that Gunn’s candidness, while a hallmark of his public persona, could overshadow the film’s achievements and fuel skepticism about the DCU’s future.

Warner Bros.’ Dilemma

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has publicly championed Superman as a cornerstone of the DCU’s revival. In a statement following the opening weekend, Zaslav praised Gunn’s vision: “Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world. Superman is just the first step.” Yet, behind the scenes, there’s growing unease about Gunn’s press strategy. Industry insiders suggest Warner Bros. may need to “shut him up” to prevent further controversy from derailing the DCU’s momentum.

The studio’s caution stems from the high stakes involved. The DCU is a soft reboot of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which struggled with inconsistent critical and commercial success. Films like Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) were polarizing, and the DCEU’s collapse left Warner Bros. desperate for a cohesive franchise to rival Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). With Superman outperforming recent MCU releases like Captain America: Brave New World ($88.8 million opening) and Thunderbolts ($74.3 million), DC Studios is in a strong position—but only if it can maintain public confidence.

Gunn’s history of provocative statements adds fuel to the fire. His 2018 firing from Disney over resurfaced controversial tweets, followed by his rehiring after support from the Guardians of the Galaxy cast, demonstrated his knack for navigating public scrutiny. However, as co-CEO of DC Studios, his role extends beyond filmmaking to shaping the brand’s image. “James is a creative genius, but he’s not always the best suit,” an anonymous Warner Bros. executive told The Wall Street Journal. “We need him focused on the art, not stirring the pot.”

The Marvel Threat Looms

As Superman fights to maintain its box office dominance, Disney’s Marvel is poised to strike with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to release this weekend. Early projections suggest the MCU film could open between $190 million and $210 million globally, potentially outpacing Superman’s debut. The film’s buzz, driven by the introduction of Baby Franklin and cutting-edge visual effects, has already surpassed Superman in first-day presale tickets on Fandango. This head-to-head clash could test the DCU’s staying power, especially if The Fantastic Four captures the cultural zeitgeist.

Gunn, undeterred, remains confident in the DCU’s distinct approach. “There’s not a company style,” he told CBS Mornings. “It’s not like every movie is gonna be like Superman. Clayface is a complete horror film, and that’s one of the things we want to do.” This commitment to creative diversity—evident in upcoming projects like Supergirl (June 2026), Clayface (September 2026), and HBO’s Lanterns—sets the DCU apart from the MCU’s formulaic past. However, with The Fantastic Four poised to steal the spotlight, Warner Bros. is under pressure to keep Gunn’s messaging on track.

What’s Next for the DCU?

The controversy surrounding Gunn’s comments underscores the delicate balance DC Studios must strike. Superman has laid a solid foundation, with strong word-of-mouth and an A- CinemaScore suggesting a long theatrical run. Upcoming DCU projects, including Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025 and Supergirl starring Milly Alcock, build on the film’s world-building, introducing characters like Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Maxwell Lord. Yet, the shadow of Marvel looms large, and Gunn’s ability to navigate the press without further missteps will be crucial.

For now, Superman remains a triumph of heart and spectacle, proving that DC can deliver a superhero film that resonates with modern audiences. Whether Gunn’s bold vision—and bolder tongue—will propel the DCU to new heights or invite unnecessary scrutiny remains to be seen. As the box office battle heats up, one thing is clear: the Man of Steel’s fight is far from over, and the world is watching.