James Gunn Praises ‘Superman’ Box Office Success: “Incredibly Grateful for Your Enthusiasm”

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Jul 14

James Gunn reflects on Superman’s global box office debut and how the film’s focus on humanity, rather than heroics, is striking a chord with fans.

James Gunn is flying high this weekend as Superman soars past expectations with a $217 million global debut. The film, which marks Gunn’s first feature-length contribution to his rebooted DC Universe, stars David Corenswet as the new Clark Kent—a fresh face in a world long dominated by superhero fatigue. And it seems audiences were more than ready for this iteration.

Taking to Threads, Gunn posted a heartfelt message to fans: “I’m incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days,” he wrote. “We’ve had a lot of ‘Super’ in Superman over the years, and I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part of the equation – a kind person always looking out for those in need.”

This emphasis on character over spectacle appears to be resonating. Gunn continued, “That that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings. Thank you.”

The film’s debut is more than a financial win—it’s a symbolic one. Superman is the official launchpad of Gunn and Peter Safran’s revamped DC Studios, which aims to reestablish the brand’s cinematic universe after years of tonal confusion. And the people behind the scenes are taking notice.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav echoed Gunn’s sentiments in a statement celebrating the weekend success: “This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Supermanis just the first step.”

Zaslav also confirmed what’s to come: “Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max, all part of a bold ten-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

Still, Gunn has remained level-headed throughout the marketing campaign. In the weeks leading up to release, he addressed the discourse around superhero fatigue with notable candor: “This is not the riskiest endeavor in the world,” he said. “Is there something riding on it? Yeah, but it’s not as big as people make it out to be.”

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He dismissed the idea that the film had to make $700 million to be considered a success: “It’s just complete and utter nonsense.”

With Corenswet’s grounded take on Superman, Rachel Brosnahan’s sharp, fearless Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult’s cerebral Lex Luthor, Gunn’s Superman is clearly aiming to reframe what a superhero film can be—not just bombastic, but deeply human.

As the DCU rebuilds from the ground up, Superman isn’t just flying—it’s laying the foundation.