James Gunn Says 700 Million USD Isn't the Goal for Superman's Success

James Gunn, the director behind the upcoming Superman movie and co-head of DC Studios, has shot down rumors that his film needs to hit $700 million at the box office to succeed. In a recent chat with GQ, Gunn called the idea "total nonsense," making it clear that the expectations for the film’s financial performance aren’t as sky-high as some believe. The movie, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, hits theaters on July 11, 2025, and kicks off a fresh start for the DC Universe (DCU) under Gunn and co-chair Peter Safran.

Gunn, who directed hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, admitted there’s some pressure, but he’s not sweating it. “Is there something riding on it? Yeah, but it’s not as big as people make it out to be,” he said. With a $225 million budget and a big marketing campaign, Superman is banking on the hero’s legendary appeal to pull in crowds. But for Gunn, success isn’t just about hitting a specific dollar amount—it’s about winning over fans and setting the stage for future DCU projects like Supergirl and Peacemaker Season 2.

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He also weighed in on recent superhero movie flops, like 2023’s The Flash and Shazam: Fury of the Gods, or Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts (The New Avengers). Gunn doesn’t buy into the idea of “superhero fatigue.” Instead, he told Rolling Stone in 2023 that it’s all about telling good stories with strong characters. “It’s about the stories we tell,” he said.

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The new Superman dives into themes like immigration, morality, and kindness, with Gunn calling it “the story of America” through the eyes of an immigrant hero. Despite some pushback on these themes, Gunn’s staying focused on delivering a hopeful, heartfelt film. As Hollywood keeps a close eye, Superman could be the spark that reignites excitement for the DCU.