James Gunn’s Superman didn’t collapse domestically, but the international box office tells a different story.
And now Sony boss Tom Rothman is indirectly highlighting exactly why that matters.
While Rothman never mentions Gunn, Superman, or the DCU by name, his recent comments about the importance of global performance draw a sharp contrast with how Superman performed overseas (just as my insiders have been pointing out for months).
International Box Office Is Everything
Appearing on The Town podcast with Matt Beloni, Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman discussed whether movie stars still matter. His answer: yes — but only in the right material.
He pointed to Sydney Sweeney and The Housemaid as proof.
Rothman said: “Housemaid, terrific hit. That’s a big hit movie.”
Then he emphasized what really matters: “And here’s the significant thing about Housemaid that people don’t probably pay as much attention to — and the same with Anyone But You — it’s a global hit. That movie’s huge internationally.”
That last part is key.
The Housemaid earned 65.8% of its box office from international markets, with Anyone But You at 59.9%.
Rothman reveals that’s what studios want. Global appeal. Overseas strength. Long legs.
Superman Fell Short Overseas
By comparison, James Gunn’s Superman generated only 42.7% of its total box office from international markets.
That’s not just lower — it’s dramatically lower. As my insiders said, the foreign audience completely rejected Gunn’s Superman, especially the Asian audience.
Who does the foreign DC audience favor? The SnyderVerse.
SnyderVerse connected with DC fans
For context, Zack Snyder’s DCEU films performed significantly stronger overseas, in addition to the domestic and worldwide box offices:
- Man of Steel — 56.6% international
- Batman v Superman — 62.2% international
- Justice League (theatrical version) — 65.4% international
The numbers don’t lie, as the global audience showed up for the SnyderVerse.
Gunn’s Superman didn’t generate anywhere near that same level of international interest.
And per Rothman’s comments, that matters more than ever in today’s theatrical landscape.
Shortened Superman Theatrical Window Speaks Volumes
And don’t forget that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently testified before Congress under oath that underperforming films receive shorter theatrical windows.
Superman hit VOD after just 35 days.
The industry norm remains around 45 days.
Studios don’t shorten windows for movies that are crushing it worldwide. They do it when momentum isn’t there.
And just like the weak international box office and foreign fan reception, it further proves that Gunn’s Superman has no “staying power across the world.”
