Superman Soars at the Domestic Box Office, Faces Challenges Internationally
Superman has made a spectacular impact at the domestic box office, continuing to lead the charts after two weeks since its release. However, the Man of Steel’s performance hasn’t quite matched up to international expectations. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, director and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, shared insights into the film’s international earnings, which currently stand at $173 million, well below the $253 million gross since its debut on July 8.
Gunn noted, “We’re definitely seeing stronger performance domestically, but international numbers are on the rise, particularly during the weekdays, just as they are here.” He emphasized the positive word of mouth surrounding the film, both in the U.S. and abroad, which is crucial for its ongoing success. “Certain markets, like Brazil and the U.K., are showing impressive results,” he added.
The director explained that Superman isn’t as universally recognized as iconic characters like Batman, which can influence box office performance in various regions. He also acknowledged the current global climate, stating, “There is a degree of anti-American sentiment that we’re navigating, and that certainly affects our performance.” Despite these challenges, Gunn remains optimistic, believing it’s just a matter of time before the film gains traction in international markets.
With a global total now exceeding $426 million, Superman’s second-weekend earnings of $58.5 million have already outpaced Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), which earned $51.3 million in its second weekend.
Gunn has previously described Superman as “the story of America,” highlighting its themes of kindness and acceptance. “It represents an immigrant who came from other places and contributed to the country. At its core, it’s a narrative about basic human kindness—something we’ve started to lose sight of,” he explained.
As the first film in Gunn’s ambitious new DC Universe (DCU) franchise, which he launched alongside Peter Safran in 2022, Superman signifies the beginning of the ‘Gods and Monsters’ phase. With its heartwarming message and growing audience appreciation, this cinematic journey is just taking flight.
Stay tuned for more updates on Superman’s box office performance and its impact on the DCU!
