New "Superman" surpasses "Man of Steel" in box office, despite criticism from MAGA supporters
Kyiv • UNN
James Gunn's film "Superman" grossed $122 million in its opening weekend, outperforming 2013's "Man of Steel." The director stated that the film touches on politics, which drew a negative reaction from MAGA supporters.
"Superman" - an adventure film based on comics, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, is set to be the first part of a new DC Comics cinematic universe. Warner Bros., and also - a convincing competitor to Marvel (MCU). In addition, the film's plot is connected to the current socio-political "agenda" in the USA.
This is reported by UNN with reference to Newsweek, Variety, Times, TMZ.
Details
According to the weekend results, it became known that the official figures for the opening box office of the "Superman" reboot confirm the ambitious drive of the project - James Gunn's film has now surpassed Zack Snyder's 2013 film "Man of Steel". Industry media, such as Variety, reported a few days ago that "Superman", a comic book adventure starring David Corenswet, grossed $122 million in its first weekend alone.
The success of Gunn's film could be the first part of a new DC Comics cinematic universe. Warner Bros., and a serious competitor to the wildly successful Marvel (MCU).
In addition, as the premiere weekend approached, several politically charged moments could either fuel the film's potential success, or... slow it down.
In an interview with the British newspaper The Times, the rebellious director James Gunn did not hide the fact that his film would touch upon politics:
Superman is the story of America. An immigrant who came from other places... but for me, it's mostly a story about how basic human kindness is a value we've lost
His comments drew backlash from prominent right-wing media figures and supporters of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda.
Among them is Fox News host Jesse Watters. The latter said:
My cape says: "Make America Great Again": You know what's written on his cape? - "MS-13"
"Superman fights for truth, justice, and your favorite pronouns," he added.
Kellyanne Conway, a senior advisor to the president during the first Trump administration, also expressed her opinion:
We don't go to the movies to be lectured and have ideology imposed on us
Dean Cain, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, who played Superman in the 1990s series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," also criticized Gunn in an interview with TMZ:
I think involving Superman in this... I think it was a mistake for James Gunn to say it's an immigrant story, and I think it will hurt the film's box office. I was excited about the film. I'm looking forward to it... I'm rooting for its success, but I don't like this latest political comment.
Reference
And yet, it should be noted that "Superman" started stronger precisely in the USA.
International box office was somewhat lower than expected, totaling $95 million in 78 markets, bringing the global total to $217 million.
"This is an outstanding domestic debut. If there's any softness here, it's overseas," says David A. Gross, head of film consulting firm FranchiseRe.
Superman has always been identified as an American character, and in some parts of the world, America is not currently enjoying the greatest popularity.
Recall
James Gunn stated that the film "Superman" will be 2 hours and 9 minutes long with credits, and denied information about pressure from Warner Bros. to shorten the runtime.