The renewed SnyderVerse talk isn’t just loud in the U.S. — it’s blowing up overseas, especially in China.
I’m seeing a big spike in China-based traffic for Snyder content – more than I have ever seen previously – which lines up with what the box-office history already proved: Snyder’s DC movies played in China, while James Gunn’s Superman didn’t land at all.
Box office comparison
Here’s the breakdown (not even counting for inflation) of the foreign and Chinese box offices:
Superman (2025)
- International: $262.5M
- China: $8.9M
Man of Steel (2013)
- International: $379.1M
- China: $63.44M
Batman v Superman (2016)
- International: $544M
- China: $95.77M
Justice League (theatrical – 2017)
- International: $432.3M
- China: $106.05M
Contrast is massive
Snyder’s DC releases consistently cracked $60M–$100M+ in China. Gunn’s Superman didn’t even hit $10M, even though Gunn went on a “worldwide tour” and skipped Comic-Con.
The contrast is massive, and Chinese fans online have made it clear: Snyder’s more serious, mythic tone connected with them, while Gunn’s lighter, politically-messaged goofy reboot didn’t.
Fans Overseas Say Gunn’s Superman Missed the Mark
I’ve talked with many foreign fans and immigrant friends of mine, and none of this surprises them. The reactions were consistent:
- They hated the Kaiju scene where Superman leaves an Asian character stranded on a rooftop mid-battle. The felt the message from Gunn was one of mockery.
- The warring fictional countries subplot felt like commentary on American foreign policy, which global audiences generally dislike in superhero films.
Meanwhile, Snyder’s movies connected because they kept the focus on mythic heroes, big stakes, and clean storytelling without political messaging.
Fans also repeatedly point out that Man of Steel is an immigrant story that treats the immigrant as a force for good. In contrast, they felt Gunn’s film flipped that idea on its head — especially with the change to Jor-El — sending a message that immigrants are dangerous instead of hopeful.
Snyder’s approach works across borders, especially in China, where audiences connect with Superman and Batman as grand, larger-than-life figures, not goofballs who keep getting beaten down.
Snyder Hype Overseas Is Surging Again
With the Saudis linked to a potential WBD buyout (they love Snyder) and insiders saying Snyder could be reinstated, the overseas excitement is back, again, something missing from Gunn’s DCU.
China-based engagement is spiking. My site is seeing a major spike in China traffic for SnyderVerse content — the highest in years — showing renewed interest as talk of Snyder’s return spreads.
There’s a real sense that global audiences — especially major markets like China — want Snyder back more than the people running DC right now understand.
China wants the Return of the SnyderVerse
China was always a huge part of Snyder’s DC success, and the audience is reacting again now that a SnyderVerse return seems possible.
Gunn’s Superman didn’t connect globally, and China’s numbers make that clear. Snyder’s films did — and still do.
If the next WBD owner wants the DC brand to matter overseas again, the path is obvious.
