James Gunn announced a sequel to the successful 2025 Superman film, 'Man of Tomorrow,' set for release on July 9, 2027, signaling a positive shift towards shorter gaps between superhero movie sequels amidst industry delays and franchise fatigue.
Stephen King criticized superhero movies for their depiction of violence, calling it 'almost pornographic' due to the lack of visible blood and harm, contrasting with his new film adaptation of 'The Long Walk,' which features more brutal and realistic violence. He argues that the sanitized violence in superhero films is inappropriate, and the new movie aims to reflect a more authentic portrayal of brutality.
Chris Columbus, known for directing 'Home Alone' and the first two 'Harry Potter' films, was fired from the 2005 'Fantastic Four' movie after criticizing its concept art and expressing strong opinions, which the studio reportedly found too opinionated. This experience, along with his disinterest in modern superhero films, marked a turning point in his career regarding the genre.
Superman's latest film has become the first superhero movie of 2025 to surpass $600 million globally, marking a significant box office milestone for DC Studios and signaling a potential revival for the genre despite ongoing superhero fatigue. The film, directed by James Gunn, has performed well domestically and internationally, though it faces challenges in overseas markets compared to previous hits. It is part of DC's efforts to rebrand and strengthen its cinematic universe.
'Fantastic Four: First Steps' failed at the box office due to poor character popularity, subpar quality, and audience fatigue with superhero movies, highlighting the need for better scripts and more engaging storytelling in the genre.
'Fantastic Four: First Steps' narrowly surpassed 'Superman' in opening weekend worldwide box office, highlighting the competitive nature of superhero films and raising questions about international audience engagement, with both films performing similarly in total revenue and domestic versus international splits.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ broke a box office curse for Marvel, earning approximately $220 million globally in its opening weekend, marking Marvel’s first original hit in six years and receiving positive reviews for its storytelling and ensemble cast.
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ debuts strongly with $23 million in previews, indicating a successful opening weekend and positive reviews, marking a comeback for the franchise and Marvel's recent performance in superhero films.
Superman's latest film has crossed $400 million globally, which is considered a solid success given industry standards, with an expected total of $650-$700 million, and is viewed positively by Warner Bros. CEO. The film's performance is favorable compared to recent superhero movies, especially on the Marvel side, and marks a successful start for DC's new universe under James Gunn's direction.
Superman's latest film directed by James Gunn has surpassed $300 million internationally, becoming the highest-grossing superhero movie of the year, with strong domestic and international earnings, and is performing comparably to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy films.
Early reactions to the new Marvel 'Fantastic Four' film are overwhelmingly positive, with critics and viewers praising its performances, visual effects, and family dynamics, suggesting it could be one of the best Marvel films ever. The film is set to release in the US on July 24, 2025, with embargoes lifting soon for wider reviews.
Superman's reboot directed by James Gunn has achieved a strong box office debut with $125 million in North America and $95 million internationally, surpassing expectations and marking a positive turnaround for Warner Bros. and the DC universe, emphasizing themes of kindness and Americana that resonate with audiences amidst superhero fatigue.
James Gunn's Superman reboot innovatively makes the superhero film feel more like reading a comic book by embracing comic storytelling techniques, a fully realized universe, and a focus on character-driven narratives, setting a new standard for superhero movies.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Rolling Stone
James Gunn discusses his approach to creating the new DC Universe, emphasizing character authenticity, the importance of finished scripts, and his personal growth that influences his work on Superman, aiming for a grounded yet innovative portrayal that diverges from previous versions.
Dakota Johnson blames the failure of 'Madame Web' on decisions made by non-creative individuals and emphasizes the challenges of making art within committee-driven processes. She acknowledges the film's underperformance and suggests she may not pursue similar superhero roles again, citing her experience as a learning opportunity amid critical and commercial setbacks.