Much like “Sinners” earlier this year, “Superman” is doing strong business domestically but isn’t catching on as well overseas.
The James Gunn-directed first effort of the DCU wrapped its second weekend at the box office with $58.5 million domestically, a drop of just 53% and a ten-day domestic gross of $236.2 million.
Internationally, the film is no slouch but not soaring either – after ten days, its overseas haul stands at $173.1 million, bringing its worldwide box-office total to $409.3 million.
The lack of any traction in China is an obvious contributor, but the film has been struggling in several other Asian markets as well. Speculation has arisen as to why, from superhero fatigue to the hero being so linked with one country (the United States).
DC Studios chief James Gunn weighed in on the debate as part of an interview with Rolling Stone, saying that the overall sentiment towards the U.S. is currently not good and that’s hurting its box-office potential overseas:
“He is not a big known superhero in some places like Batman is. That affects things. And it also affects things that we have a certain amount of anti-American sentiment around the world right now. It isn’t really helping us.”
“SUPERMAN” MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Gunn also touched upon the most heavily debated aspect of the film among DC fans since its release – the full reveal of the message from Superman’s Kryptonian parents Jor-El and Lara. The message indicated that they wanted him to essentially conquer and rule Earth.
Asked if the twist will be “retconned or revealed as a double-secret trick or something” by the outlet, Gunn says those hoping for such an event as “s–t out of luck” as it ties to “the whole point of the movie” with Superman’s whole emotional arc effectively being undone by such a change.
He previously also indicated surprise that some still think the message is a fake as on three separate occasions (one with Mr. Terrific, one with Lex, one with the Secretary of Defense) it’s made clear the full message is genuine and not a deepfake trick of Luthor’s.
Finally, he also revealed that the moment where Clark saves the squirrel was one of the most hotly debated ones of the test screenings, and he was going to cut it out, but ended up putting it back in despite some of the crew protesting.
“Superman” is in cinemas now.
