James Gunn calls the $700M box office target for Superman “nonsense,” saying the film doesn’t need that much to be a success.
James Gunn isn’t buying the idea that his upcoming Superman reboot needs to clear a massive $700 million threshold to be considered a hit.
In a new GQ cover story focused on David Corenswet, who plays Clark Kent, the director and co-head of DC Studios pushes back against what he calls “complete and utter nonsense” surrounding box-office expectations for the film.
Gunn acknowledges that there’s always pressure on a big-budget superhero movie, especially in an era where audiences seem to be experiencing a bit of “superhero fatigue.”
Still, he argues that the hype machine has blown the stakes way out of proportion.
“They hear these numbers that the movie’s only going to be successful if it makes $700 million or something,” he told GQ. “It doesn’t need to be as big of a situation as people are saying.”
Behind the scenes, Warner Bros. and DC have invested heavily in their new Superman.
The production budget is reportedly a net $225 million after incentives and tax breaks, and marketing could add another $200 million on top of that.
Even so, Gunn believes that the film can deliver meaningful returns without hitting blockbuster territory.
He’s focused on telling a tighter, more emotionally grounded story rather than pushing for spectacle simply to chase box-office records.
Superman introduces us to a younger, more conflicted Clark Kent as he navigates his dual identity—Kryptonian heir and daily Metropolitan reporter.
Alongside Corenswet, the cast includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult in an as-yet-unnamed role.
The film hits theaters on July 11, kicking off Gunn and Peter Safran’s ambitious new chapter for the DC Universe.
Gunn has been candid about the factors that have tripped up recent superhero releases, from The Flash to Shazam: Fury of the Gods.
While fatigue can play a part, he warns that half-baked scripts and gimmicky cameos are just as damaging.
With Superman, Gunn says the creative team has zeroed in on a clear vision: a heartfelt origin story that balances the awe of superpowers with the very human struggles at its core.
No arbitrary billion-dollar goal required.
