James Gunn Celebrates $217M Global Opening of Superman With Heartfelt Message: “Grateful for the Kindness”

The Superman reboot marks a successful start to the DC Studios revamp as James Gunn emphasizes the “man” in Superman, with strong global earnings and critical acclaim.

[Los Angeles, CA] – July 14, 2025 — Director James Gunn is basking in the global success of his much-anticipated Superman reboot, which debuted to a stellar $217 million worldwide opening weekend. The film marks the first chapter in the new DC Universe slate, dubbed Gods and Monsters, and it has already resonated with audiences for its heartfelt tone and fresh take on the legendary superhero.

Gunn, who also serves as co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, took to Threads on Sunday to express his gratitude:

“I’m incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days,” Gunn wrote. “We’ve had a lot of ‘Super’ in Superman over the years, and I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part of the equation – a kind person always looking out for those in need. That that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings. Thank you.”

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🚀 Superman Signals a Promising Start for DC Studios’ New Era

The success of Superman, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, comes as a much-needed win for Warner Bros. and DC Studios following a rocky slate of past superhero outings. The film’s powerful blend of emotional storytelling and blockbuster action has been praised by fans and critics alike.

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, also commented on the film’s performance, calling it a promising start to a broader 10-year plan:

“This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step,” said Zaslav.
“Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

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🎥 Gunn Not Swayed by “Superhero Fatigue” or Industry Expectations

In a refreshing and candid tone, Gunn has consistently pushed back against the noise surrounding box office expectations and “superhero fatigue.” In a recent interview, the Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker shared that he never felt overwhelmed by the industry’s pressure.

“This is not the riskiest endeavor in the world,” Gunn explained. “People think the movie has to make $700 million to be considered successful, and it’s just complete and utter nonsense. It doesn’t need to be that big of a situation.”

That realistic approach, combined with a deeply human portrayal of Superman, has struck a chord globally. The reboot’s success is being seen not just as a box office victory, but as an emotional reset for a character and franchise that many fans feel deeply connected to.

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🦸‍♂️ What’s Next for DC Studios?

With Superman off to a flying start, DC Studios is already preparing its next wave of interconnected films and series under Gunn and Safran’s leadership. Upcoming releases include:

• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026)
• Clayface
• HBO Max original series Lanterns
• Additional titles across Phase One: Gods and Monsters

The studio’s long-term vision is beginning to materialize, and if Superman is any indicator, the new DC Universe may finally be regaining the trust and attention of global superhero fans.