James Gunn Blames Anti-American Sentiment and Low Familiarity for Superman’s Struggles Overseas

James Gunn, director of the recent Superman film, has pointed to anti-American sentiment and the character’s limited recognition in some regions as key reasons for the movie’s relatively weaker box office performance overseas. While the film has been successful in the United States, where most of its revenue has been generated, it has not resonated as strongly internationally, according to Gunn.

Superman’s Global Recognition and Political Factors Influencing Box Office

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn explained that Superman is not always as well-known globally as other superheroes, such as Batman. He remarked,

“Superman is not a known commodity in some places. He is not a big, known superhero in some places like Batman is. That affects things,”

and attributed this partly to the current climate of anti-American sentiment worldwide, which he suggested has hindered the film’s international reach.

Gunn further reflected on the film’s early reception, stating,

“It isn’t really helping us. So I think it’s just a matter of letting something grow. But again, for us, everything’s been a total win. Having the movie come out and be something that has been embraced by people everywhere — this is just the seed of the tree that Peter and I have been watering for the past three years. So to be able to have it start off so positively has been incredibly overwhelming,”

highlighting his optimism despite the challenges.

Mixed Results Across International Markets and Positive Word of Mouth

Gunn acknowledged that while the film is performing better domestically, its international numbers are gradually increasing. He noted,

“We’re definitely performing better domestically than we are internationally, but internationally is also rising and having really good weekday numbers in the same way we are,”

explaining that positive word of mouth is helping the movie gain traction globally. He also pointed out that the movie has found particular success in markets such as Brazil and the United Kingdom.

Industry Perspectives on Superman’s Overseas Performance

The Wrap, a media outlet analyzing the international box office landscape, echoed some of Gunn’s points, including anti-American sentiment, but also introduced the concept of “superhero fatigue” as a factor affecting Superman’s global appeal. They observed,

“Along with general superhero fatigue internationally, Superman has never been the global box office draw that Batman is thanks to Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy,”

underscoring Batman’s greater international box office track record.

Regarding the U.S. political climate’s impact on the character, The Wrap commented,

“While there have been some arguments that the decline of the U.S.’s image under Donald Trump is impacting a hero that for decades was associated with ‘Truth, Justice and the American Way’ – even with Gunn downplaying that last part in his film – box office history suggests it’s not that simple,”

noting the complexity of the situation.

Historical and Contemporary Box Office Data Challenge Sentiment-Based Explanations

The argument that Superman’s weaker international showing results primarily from his American symbolism or low global familiarity faces challenges from box office data. Earlier Superman films like Man of Steel and Superman Returns drew significant portions of their revenue overseas, with 56 percent and 51 percent of their grosses coming from international markets, respectively. These numbers suggest that the character has historically found wide recognition outside the United States.

Additionally, other recent films released this year also show strong international box office ratios. For instance, Karate Kid: Legends earned slightly over half of its total revenue from foreign markets, and Jurassic World: Rebirth generated 57.2 percent overseas. The unexpected success of F1 further highlights this trend, with 66.6 percent of its earnings coming from international audiences.

Even superhero films not immune to alleged fatigue maintain solid overseas numbers. The film Thunderbolts earned $192 million internationally, accounting for just above 50 percent of its total gross, surpassing the opening-weekend foreign revenue of Gunn’s Superman, which was roughly $90 million.

Looking back to Richard Donner’s original Superman from 1978, which performed exceptionally well abroad by earning $166 million internationally, around 55 percent of its overall box office, it becomes clear the character’s global appeal is long-standing. Adjusted for inflation, the international contribution would be even higher. This history calls into question whether anti-American sentiment or low familiarity alone explain the current film‘s foreign market results.

What Superman’s Current Performance Means for the Future

The differing success levels across domestic and international markets illustrate the complexities facing superhero movies today, with James Gunn’s Superman encountering unique obstacles overseas. While political perceptions and character recognition may influence foreign reception, historical trends and comparative box office figures suggest other factors are at play. As the film continues to draw positive word of mouth, especially in select countries, its international earnings are expected to rise.

Gunn’s view remains hopeful, emphasizing that the current film’s release marks only the beginning of a longer journey to build Superman’s global presence. With ongoing audience engagement and strategic growth, the Man of Steel’s international fortunes could improve over time.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?

A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and often talks about how prayer remains significant for him. However, he also describes himself as somewhat against religion.

Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?

A. James Gunn collaborated with Marvel Studios on the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Later, in 2022, he became co-CEO of DC Studios. Before this role, he directed The Suicide Squad (2021) for DC. This happened after Marvel dismissed him but then brought him back for Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?

A. In Gunn’s 2025 version of Superman, the revamped CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog was inspired by Ozu. Raised in a Catholic household, Gunn often discusses the importance of prayer in his life, although he sometimes describes himself as “somewhat anti-religion.”