James Gunn Slams 'Superman' $700 Million Goal Rumor
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There might be a lot riding on the success of "Superman" but the box office goals might be a bit exaggerated. To be fair, a film bombing at the box office is going to have a significant impact on a director, studios, and more — but James Gunn is not at all worried.
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Gunn has been one of the biggest cheerleaders for the launch of the DC Universe, and naturally so since he is leading the whole thing. However, he is also not one mince words when it comes to rumors about any of the properties involved in the DCU.
Now, Gunn has taken to defending "Superman" over the rumors that the film will only be successful if it makes a staggering $700 million at the box office.
David Corenswet in "Superman".
David Corenswet in "Superman".
Warner Bros
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In an interview with GQ's Frazier Tharpe, Gunn and "Superman" star David Corenswet dive deep into rebooting the Man of Steel, and the challenges that come with it.
"This is not the riskiest endeavor in the world," Gunn tells me the day after definitively picture-locking the film. "Is there something riding on it? Yeah, but it's not as big as people make it out to be. They hear these numbers that the movie's only going to be successful if it makes 700 million or something and it's just complete and utter nonsense. It doesn't need to be as big of a situation as people are saying."
Firstly, Gunn again does not mince words when it comes to rebooting the "Superman" franchise, which has been done before. Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill, and Christopher Reeve have all taken their turns at playing the Last Son of Krypton, all to varying degrees of success.
Now, Corenswet will step into the role of Superman, to hopefully usher in a new era of success for the character and DC.
Gunn also doubles down to tell the world that the film will be a success, even if it does not bring in $700 million. That might not be the case, but it's also not far off.
According to Wikipedia, the reported budget for "Superman" is currently $225 million. Multiple reports and figures tell different stories, but the general consensus on what makes a hit movie is that the movie must land about three times the amount of its budget to be a success.
Given the reported budget of $225 million for "Superman," three times that amount figures to $675 million. Gunn may have said that $700 million is exaggerated, but the studios might not feel the same.
Even more than the actual monetary figure that "Superman" produces, the biggest measure of success, other than the box office draw, is the fan reception.
Now, it would be a bit foolish to think that everyone is going to be a fan of "Superman." However, it is the overarching popularity of the film that will truly measure Gunn's success.
Gunn wrote and directed "Superman," and he has been heralded as the man who can "save" DC. The Zach Snyder era was not a fan favorite, and it came under plenty of scrutiny, along with the films that followed.
In simple terms of popularity, Marvel has been at the top of the food chain in terms of superhero movies. Gunn now has a chance to revive DC to put it at the same level as Marvel.
The good news is Gunn has been heralded for his "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, along with his reboot of "The Suicide Squad." Should the new "Superman" be a hit with fans, it will place faith back into DC as a whole.
If fans are talking about "Superman," then more people will go see it. That will lead to higher box office earnings. Though this is all simple sounding, Gunn may think $700 million is off the mark, but that number might just be right around what needs to happen to truly kick his DCU off the right way.
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