Director says Superman ‘not well-known’ globally as ticket sales fall flat

WorldMovie
25 Jul 2025 • 12:45 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • James Gunn, the director of the new Superman film, has attributed its modest international box office performance to anti-American sentiment and the character's lower global recognition compared to Batman.
  • The film has been a significant success domestically, grossing over $253 million (£186m) in the US, but it has so far failed to majorly ignite the international box-office, earning just $173m (£127m) worldwide.
  • Gunn said Superman “is not a well-known superhero in some places like Batman is”, but considers the film “a total win” despite the international figures.
  • Superman’s total worldwide gross is reportedly $430m, surpassing the $330m achieved by Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, which is the character’s previous highest-grossing film.
  • Gunn previously described the film as an "immigrant story" promoting "basic human kindness".

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