“Superman ”Box Office: Did the Movie's Politics Impact Its Success?

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James Gunn's Superman reboot earned $217 million during its opening weekend amid backlash over the film's political messaging

Director Gunn said "Superman is the story of America," in the sense that it follows "an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country"

The DC Studios film was expected to make $100 million in its first weekend

Superman is soaring at the box office amid debate over its political messaging, which director James Gunn has doubled down on.

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The superhero reboot that is set to launch the new DC Universe for Warner Bros. debuted in theaters across North America on Friday, July 11, and it earned $217 million during its opening weekend, according to Deadline and The Wrap.

The film earned $122 million domestically and $95 million internationally, the outlets reported on Sunday, July 13.

Superman, whichcost $225 millionto make, per the Wall Street Journal, was estimated by DC Studios to bring in $100 millionin its first weekend.

DC Studios/ Warner Bros.

David Corenswet as Superman in DC's 'Superman' (2025).

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Gunn, 58, recently said in a new interview withThe Times that theDavid Corenswet-led film is "about politics," adding, "But on another level, it’s about morality."

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"Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois [Lane, played byRachel Brosnahan] believes?" the director continued. "It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart."

Gunn further explained that, in general, "Superman is the story of America," in the sense that it follows "an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country."

"But for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost," he added.

As for any critics of Superman's story that "will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness," Gunn had a simple response: "Screw them."

DC Studios/ Warner Bros.

David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in DC's 'Superman' (2025).

One of those critics is Dean Cain, who recently shared his thoughts on what he calls "woke" themes in the newSuperman.

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The 58-year-old actor, who played the Man of Steel on TV inLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Supermanfrom 1993 to 1997, spoke toTMZabout Gunn, describing his new film as "the story of America" in the sense that it follows "an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country."

"What cracks me up is that people don't like Superman — he was traditionally called the Big Blue Boy Scout. And Superman's inherent weakness is his goodness," Cain told the outlet. "I mean, sorry, those are great values, in my opinion, and I root for that."

The actor also said he believed "it was a mistake by James Gunn to say it's an immigrant thing" and he thought the director's commentswould ultimately "hurt" the movie's box-office returns.

"I was excited for the film. I'm [still] excited to see what it is, because James Gunn seems to have a sense of humor and the last iterations of Superman didn't have much humor," Cain said. "So I'm rooting for it to be a success, but I don't like that last political comment."

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Gunn's Superman film marks a fresh chapter for the franchise, withHenry Cavill stepping away from the titular roleand officially passing on the cape to Corenswet, 31.

The rest of the cast includesNicholas Houltas villain Lex Luthor, plus Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen,Milly Alcockas Supergirl,Isabela Mercedas Hawkgirl andNathan Fillionas Green Lantern.

Gunn previously helmed DC Comics’The Suicide Squad, as well as Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy.

Superman is now playing in theaters.

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