James Gunn Attributes Weak Overseas Performance of Superman to Trump
Director James Gunn has pointed to President Trump as a factor behind the disappointing international box office for his film. He mentioned that Superman isn’t regarded as a major superhero in many regions, unlike Batman, which has a negative impact. He added that current anti-American sentiments could also be contributing to the film’s underperformance.
Some might wonder why Gunn, who expresses frustration over Trump’s influence, chooses to speak to outlets like Rolling Stone. It’s not uncommon for public figures to feel they can share their opinions freely without much pushback in these forums.
However, there seems to be an inconsistency in his argument. American films like *Jurassic World: Dominion*, which was released shortly before *Superman*, amassed nearly $400 million overseas, while *Superman* barely crossed half that amount. This raises questions about why one film performed so much better than the other, especially given similar sentiments about international viewing habits.
It’s curious to consider how other American films have done abroad. For instance, *Lilo & Stitch* managed to gross $590 million this summer, while *How to Train Your Dragon* earned $339 million overseas. Even *Mission: Impossible* saw $393 million in international earnings.
Gunn may have a point about sentiments affecting film performance, but one has to wonder about the quality of *Superman* itself. The movie hasn’t resonated as well with audiences; it diverges from traditional depictions of the character and is filled with plot holes and questionable humor. Many feel that it doesn’t do justice to the essence of Superman.
Moreover, there’s an underlying theme in *Superman* that critiques certain aspects of American culture and immigration, which may not appeal to a broad audience, especially those disillusioned with recent political narratives.
Gunn’s assertions also seem to deflect responsibility. He mentions that lack of international fame for Superman has played a role in the film’s revenue, but the track record of previous Superman films, such as *Man of Steel*, which earned $379 million overseas in 2013, challenges this explanation. Many are expecting *Superman* to fall short of those numbers.
In the end, there seems to be some misdirection in Gunn’s reasoning. The film’s performance and its reception may reflect broader issues than just political climate or character recognition.
