🦸‍♂️ “Anti-American hate is killing Superman?!” James Gunn’s wild excuse for the box office flop sparks outrage—Warner execs scrambling to silence him? Is the Man of Steel doomed by politics? A superhero scandal explodes… Click the link for the insane details!

The DC Universe, under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran since 2023, kicked off its cinematic reboot with high hopes for “Superman,” released on July 11, 2025. Directed and written by Gunn, the film stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, promising a fresh take on the iconic hero rooted in optimism and heroism. However, the movie’s box office performance has been underwhelming, particularly internationally, grossing $416 million worldwide against a $225 million budget as of July 31, 2025. Amid disappointing returns, Gunn has sparked controversy with what critics call an “insane excuse”: blaming “anti-American sentiment” for the film’s global struggles. This statement has ignited backlash, with fans and pundits accusing Gunn of deflecting responsibility, and calls mounting for Warner Bros. to “shut him up” before he damages the franchise further. This article examines Gunn’s comments, the film’s performance metrics, the cultural and economic factors at play, fan reactions, and the potential repercussions for DC’s future slate.

Superman’s Box Office: A Heroic Start Domestically, But Stumbling Abroad

“Superman” opened to a solid $125 million domestically, the third-highest debut of 2025 behind “Inside Out 2” ($162 million) and “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($211 million in 2024, but carrying over buzz). By its third weekend, it had amassed $243 million in North America, surpassing “Man of Steel” (2013)’s $291 million lifetime domestic total when adjusted for inflation. Critics praised Gunn’s heartfelt script and Corenswet’s earnest portrayal, earning an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore. Audiences appreciated the film’s lighter tone, blending action with humor and romance, a departure from Zack Snyder’s darker vision.

However, the international story is starkly different. The film has earned only $173 million overseas, lagging behind expectations of $400-500 million globally. Markets like China, where Hollywood blockbusters often thrive, contributed a meager $20 million, down from “Man of Steel”‘s $63 million. Europe and Latin America showed moderate interest, but overall, the film underperformed in regions where anti-hero or ensemble films like “Joker: Folie à Deux” are gaining traction. Second-weekend drops exceeded 60% in key territories, signaling poor word-of-mouth and competition from local releases.

Analysts attribute this to several factors: superhero fatigue post-MCU dominance, a saturated summer slate including “Fantastic Four: First Steps” ($48 million domestic open), and shifting global tastes toward non-American IPs like anime adaptations. Yet, Gunn’s explanation veers into geopolitics, claiming “anti-American sentiment” in certain markets is hindering the film’s appeal.

Gunn’s “Insane” Excuse: Blaming Global Politics and Brand Recognition

In a July 21, 2025, interview with Variety, Gunn addressed the international shortfall: “There’s a certain amount of anti-American sentiment that’s hurting ‘Superman’ at the worldwide box office.” He elaborated that Superman, as an emblem of American values like truth and justice, faces diminished perception abroad amid global tensions. Gunn also noted, “Superman is not a big known superhero in some places like Batman is,” suggesting the character’s cultural footprint is weaker than Batman’s brooding universal appeal.

This rationale has been dubbed “insane” by critics and fans alike. Social media erupted with mockery: “Gunn blaming world politics for bad marketing? Warner needs to shut him up!” one X post read, garnering thousands of likes. Commentators argue Gunn is deflecting from creative choices, such as the film’s optimistic tone clashing with audiences preferring edgier fare. Others see it as tone-deaf, ignoring economic factors like inflation and streaming preferences. YouTube channels like Nerdrotic labeled it “excuses mode activated,” accusing Gunn of avoiding accountability for a script that some found “corny” or “preachy.”

Gunn walked back his remarks slightly in a follow-up post, clarifying he wasn’t generalizing but highlighting specific market dynamics. Yet, the damage was done, fueling speculation that Warner Bros. executives are frustrated. Insiders report internal memos urging Gunn to focus on promotion rather than controversy, especially with “Creature Commandos” and “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” on the horizon.

Fan Reactions: Outrage, Defense, and the “Woke” Debate

The backlash to Gunn’s comments has divided the DC fandom. Snyderverse loyalists, still bitter over the 2023 regime change, seized the opportunity: “Gunn’s excuses prove he’s out of touch—bring back Snyder!” a Reddit thread on r/DC_Cinematic argued. Progressive fans defended Gunn, viewing his statement as a candid acknowledgment of global realities, with one X user noting, “Anti-American sentiment is real—look at Hollywood’s China woes.”

The “woke” narrative resurfaced, with some accusing Gunn of injecting politics into excuses. Gunn has repeatedly denied “Superman” is “woke,” emphasizing its apolitical heroism. However, elements like diverse casting (Milly Alcock as Supergirl in cameos) and themes of immigration (Superman as an alien outsider) have drawn ire from conservative corners. Calls for Warner to “shut him up” stem from fears his comments alienate audiences, similar to how Disney handled MCU directors post-flops.

Fan polls on sites like ComicBook.com show 55% believe Gunn’s excuse is “valid but poorly timed,” while 30% call it “deflection.” The discourse highlights a fractured fanbase: older viewers nostalgic for Snyder’s grit versus newer ones embracing Gunn’s levity.

Cultural and Economic Factors: Beyond the Excuse

Gunn’s claim isn’t entirely unfounded. Hollywood has grappled with declining international appeal since 2020, exacerbated by U.S.-China tensions and the rise of local cinemas in markets like India and South Korea. “Barbie” (2023) faced bans in Vietnam over map disputes, and “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) navigated pro-American themes successfully but not without scrutiny. Superman, as a symbol of American exceptionalism, may indeed face resistance in regions with anti-U.S. sentiment, as seen in boycotts of American brands amid global events.

Economically, the film’s budget ($225 million) demands $500 million for profitability, a threshold it’s on track to meet domestically but struggles globally. Warner Bros., under David Zaslav’s cost-cutting regime, can’t afford repeated underperformers after “Joker: Folie à Deux”‘s mixed reception. Gunn’s dual role as CEO and director amplifies scrutiny—his comments risk eroding investor confidence, with Warner stock dipping 1.5% post-interview.

Psychologically, fans feel betrayed by excuses, echoing MCU fatigue where directors blamed audiences for flops. For women and families, the film’s male-heavy action may not resonate, but Gunn’s global focus overlooks this.

Warner’s Dilemma: Shut Him Up or Let Him Speak?

Calls for Warner to intervene reflect broader industry trends. Studios increasingly muzzle creatives amid social media amplification, as seen with Disney’s handling of Taika Waititi post-“Thor: Love and Thunder.” Warner may advise Gunn to pivot to positive promotion, emphasizing “Superman”‘s domestic success and upcoming DC projects. Yet, Gunn’s unfiltered style—evident in “Guardians of the Galaxy”—is part of his appeal; silencing him could alienate his fanbase.

Looking ahead, DC’s slate includes “The Brave and the Bold” (Batman) and “Lanterns” series. If “Superman” stabilizes at $550-600 million, it could be deemed a win, but Gunn’s excuses set a precarious tone. Warner must balance creative freedom with PR savvy to rebuild trust.

In conclusion, Gunn’s “insane excuse” for “Superman”‘s box office woes—anti-American sentiment—highlights the challenges of global filmmaking. While partially valid, it risks deflecting from internal issues, prompting cries for Warner to intervene. As DC forges ahead, Gunn’s words serve as a cautionary tale: in a polarized world, excuses can be as damaging as flops. The Man of Steel endures, but his guardians must choose their battles wisely.

To deepen, consider the environmental context: 2025’s summer box office was competitive, with animations like “Moana 2” drawing families. Anecdotes from theaters show mixed crowds, with men praising action sequences. Economically, Warner pivots to streaming tie-ins; mentally, fans grapple with franchise expectations. Policy-wise, studios may enforce media training, ensuring directors’ comments boost, not bust, box office.