James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, has addressed the rumors surrounding Superman’s financial success, particularly the claim that the film needs to make $700 million at the box office to be considered a success.
Gunn, known for his work on the rebooted DC Universe, dismissed these speculations as ‘complete and utter nonsense.’
Superman is set to launch the new DC Universe for Warner Bros., and, understandably, the movie’s performance is under close scrutiny. Gunn, however, downplayed the pressure, stating that the film is not as risky as some are making it out to be. He emphasized that while there’s pressure on the movie, it’s not as intense as many believe. ‘They hear these numbers that the movie’s only going to be successful if it makes $700 million or something, and it’s just complete and utter nonsense,’ Gunn explained.
Despite the public focus on box office numbers, Gunn pointed out that the actual financial expectations might be different. He acknowledged that the film has to perform well, but suggested that the hype surrounding the $700 million mark is overblown. Gunn’s comments come as the film is nearing its July 11 release date, creating a buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.
The pressure on Superman is certainly higher than that of your average superhero flick. This film marks the start of Gunn and Peter Safran’s reboot of the DC Universe, which is already set to expand with projects like Peacemaker Season 2 and upcoming films such as Supergirl and Clayface. If Superman fails to perform, it could cast doubt on the entire future of the DCU.
Gunn is actively promoting the movie and has openly discussed some of the challenges ahead. He’s aware that some fans might not take well to his portrayal of Superman, especially as the character is depicted in a more kind-hearted light. Gunn, however, remains confident that the movie will resonate with audiences. In a playful moment, he even teamed up with Zack Snyder for a cameo on Rick and Morty, humorously poking fun at their differing takes on Superman.