James Gunn blames ‘anti-American sentiment’ for Superman’s box office haul
Director says Superman ‘not well-known’ globally as ticket sales fall flat
- 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".