Why James Gunn’s Superman Falls Behind Man of Steel

Despite early claims that James Gunn’s Superman is doing better than Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, the box office numbers tell a different story. The reboot has had a solid run so far. However, the 2013 original still holds a strong lead, especially when adjusted for inflation. At this rate, it’s unlikely that Gunn’s version will ever close the gap.

Breaking Down the Domestic Numbers

At face value, James Gunn’s Superman appears to have slightly edged out Man of Steel in the U.S., bringing in $292 million compared to Snyder’s $291 million. However, this surface-level win is misleading. When adjusted for inflation, Snyder’s domestic total rises significantly to an estimated $403 million.

In 2013, movie tickets were much cheaper. As a result, more people went to theaters to watch Man of Steel. Compared to that, fewer fans are showing up for Gunn’s reboot. When it comes to audience reach and cultural impact, Snyder’s film still leads.

James Gunn’s Superman Falls Short Internationally

Internationally, the contrast is even more striking. Snyder’s Man of Steel earned $379.1 million overseas, which adjusts to more than $525 million today. Meanwhile, James Gunn’s Superman has only pulled in $214.1 million internationally so far—a figure that not only falls short but also shows little sign of catching up.

Globally, the situation is much the same. Snyder’s film ended with $670.1 million worldwide, which becomes nearly $928 million when adjusted for inflation. Gunn’s version is currently stalled at $506.5 million, with a steep 57.5% drop in its third weekend. That drop alone signals a dramatic loss in momentum and interest.

What James Gunn’s Superman Means for the DCU’s Future

The disappointing performance of James Gunn’s Superman casts doubt on the direction of the new DCU. The reboot was meant to mark a turning point—a new beginning with a fresh tone and creative leadership. However, if the franchise’s flagship character can’t match, let alone exceed, the numbers from over a decade ago, then the broader vision may need reevaluation.

Fan reactions remain mixed. Some enjoy the updated storytelling and tone, while others say the new film lacks the gravitas and emotional depth of Snyder’s original. This divide now shows clearly in the box office results, and they don’t favor Gunn’s version.

Reboot vs. Legacy – A Tough Comparison

One factor often overlooked is timing. Snyder’s film launched at a time when audiences were hungry for a new Superman after years of dormancy. It was the start of a broader cinematic experiment. Gunn’s version, however, is arriving after years of failed DC projects and reboots, carrying the burden of repairing a fractured franchise.

In other words, Gunn’s Superman doesn’t just compete with Snyder’s—it also battles DC’s past missteps. The studio expects the reboot to fix what went wrong and build a new future at the same time, which makes the task incredibly difficult.

If future DCU films don’t deliver strong box office results and bring fans together, this rough start may shape the direction of the entire franchise.