Director James Gunn now appears to have lowered expectations on how well his "Superman" movie will do at the box office, claiming that the film's not a flop if it doesn't make $700 million. It comes after he made a bizarre move announcing that his film is political.
Early box office estimates have suggested the film could have a monster opening this weekend, when it comes out Friday, July 11, earning between $130 million on the low end, $170 million on the high end at the box office.
Speaking to the GQ magazine, Gunn reacted to those reports and shut down the idea that the movie must earn record numbers; otherwise, the newly created DC Universe, he and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran head, will be considered a failure. Production cost for the film is reportedly in the $200 million ballpark.
"Is there something riding on it? Yeah, but it's not as big as people make it out to be," Gunn said. "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," he added.
Gunn's comments downplaying the film's success seem to be rather curious and not the first he's made ahead of the movie's release. It comes after the director recently announced that his film was political.
As RedState's Bonchie noted, burning down his film before it had even come out seemed to be a real head-scratcher. But that's exactly what Gunn appears to have done following his recent interview with The Times of London when the director stated his movie is "about politics" and his message to anyone who doesn't like that is "screw them.
READ MORE: Director of the New' Superman' Movie Decides to Burn It to the Ground Right Before Release
In his Sunday profile with The Times of London, the DC Studios head went deep on the themes and ideas that drive his highly anticipated "Superman." He explained that the superhero epic encompasses "the story of America," and at a basic level, is about a man searching for a better life away from his original home.
"I mean, 'Superman' is the story of America," Gunn explained. "An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost."
Gunn acknowledged that the movie's themes may be interpreted differently across political groups, especially considering the current nationwide unrest around immigration. However, Gunn stands by the ideals embedded in "Superman" and added that he doesn't care if anyone takes offense.
"Yes, it plays differently, but it's about human kindness, and obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them," he said.
Until these latest comments by Gunn, I was genuinely excited to see this film, and now, well, a bit more hesitant. I want to be entertained, but definitely not lectured for two-plus hours.
But as we have reported, it remains to be seen how successful the movie will be as the reboot of the DC Universe hopes to have a box office hit following several failed attempts.
Following the release of the "Superman" teaser trailer in December, RedState's Brandon Morse reported why this could make DC great again:
I'm definitely interested in this movie, which is more than I can say for every other superhero offering right now. Marvel has crashed and burned, and while they say it's due to "superhero fatigue," I'm not quite sure if that's what it is. I think what people are exhausted of is propaganda in films where it's not welcome, and that's taught us to be wary of superhero films, where this has become a serious problem.
Moreover, there have been people asking if we needed another Superman movie.
No, we don't, but it doesn't mean one isn't welcome when it comes around if it's done correctly. Stories have been told and retold for all of human existence. Retelling superhero stories is no different. What I think people are really asking is, "Do we need another mid or bad Superman movie?"
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