This summer, debates surged among DC fans as they drew comparisons between the box office results of James Gunn’s Superman and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. The shift in actors, with Henry Cavill no longer portraying the hero, intensified interest and fueled ongoing discussions about each film’s financial impact, with the James Gunn Superman box office becoming a hot topic.
Man of Steel Draws Larger Audiences, Despite New Rivalry
Financially, Man of Steel came out ahead, earning $670.1 million in 2013, which, when adjusted for inflation, amounts to $934.29 million. By contrast, Gunn’s reboot, Superman, reached $616.7 million worldwide. These figures suggest that Snyder’s interpretation drew bigger crowds and generated more revenue, as echoed by fan-driven analyses. Many factors contributed to these outcomes, but the contrast in ticket sales remains significant for fans and analysts alike.
Snyder’s Social Media Reaction Garners Attention
After joining Instagram, Zack Snyder was seen liking a reel that directly contrasted the box office performance of his own film, Man of Steel, with Gunn’s Superman. The video, originally posted in August, highlighted that Superman was not matching the financial haul of Man of Steel at that stage. The post featured the caption,
“Just going to leave this here.”
Although there has been speculation over potential rivalry, there is no sign of animosity between Snyder and Gunn. Their public appearances together, including on an episode of Rick and Morty, have shown a cordial relationship. For admirers of both filmmakers, Snyder’s social media activity was seen more as a light-hearted nod than as fuel for renewed debate.
Warner Bros. Discovery Approves of Superman’s Performance
Despite the comparison, Warner Bros. Discovery remains satisfied with the results of Superman. Plans are already progressing for a sequel titled Man of Tomorrow. The conclusion of the so-called Snyderverse appears set, with no indications of a return to that storyline, marking a new chapter for both the character and the franchise.
Mutual Professional Respect Between Snyder and Gunn
During the early stages of Superman, James Gunn sought Zack Snyder’s advice about a major costume decision. Gunn explained over the summer,
“One of the biggest questions was, ‘Were we gonna have trunks, or were we gonna not have trunks?’”
He recounted his conversation with Snyder:
“I talked to Zack Snyder, who was like, ‘I tried a billion different versions with the trunks, and at the end of the day, I tried it, but I just couldn’t get there.’”
Gunn further added,
“And I was feeling exactly the same way,”
and referenced his own connection to the classic look,
“Theoretically, I liked the idea of trunks because it’s the Superman I grew up with.”
This exchange demonstrates the professional rapport and shared challenges both directors faced while reimagining a legendary character for modern audiences.
Looking Forward: Impact and Fan Engagement
Although intense discussions continue within the DC fan community about which film stands out, the legacy of both Man of Steel and Superman seems secure. With Gunn developing Man of Tomorrow and positive reactions to both directors’ creative choices, fans can expect the Superman narrative to evolve further, influenced by audience enthusiasm and respectful competition between talented filmmakers.
O diretor Zack Snyder deu like em um post comparando as bilheterias do filmes Man Of Steel e Superman de James Gunn 😮 pic.twitter.com/lnl0GjaWa2
— DC Brasil (@_DCCBRASIL) November 15, 2025
