James Gunn's Superman reboot faces disappointing pre-sales in China

In early July 2025, director James Gunn's reboot of Superman was released amid high expectations, especially given the significant production and promotional budget that ranged from $300 to $400 million. However, early ticket sales, particularly in China, suggested a lack of excitement surrounding the film. It accumulated only $368,000 after the first seven days of pre-sales, trailing behind comparable superhero films like Aquaman 2 which had previously performed considerably better. This indicates a worrying trend for Warner Bros. in a market where previous DC superhero films had also struggled. Critics have expressed disappointment with the film's quality, describing it as generic and dull, despite occasional moments of humor and action. Reviewers noted that the film's writing felt underdeveloped, with too many characters introduced without sufficient backstory or development, leading to a lack of emotional engagement for viewers. This situation could further complicate the film's performance as it tries to establish itself in a competitive landscape dominated by Marvel's successes. The upcoming weekend's box office performance is crucial, as Warner Bros. needs positive word of mouth to generate momentum for the film’s ongoing run in theaters. The overall trajectory is clear: the film not only must appeal to local audiences but also break through international markets like China where reception can significantly influence its theatrical longevity. Despite a strong marketing campaign and Gunn’s previous success with comic adaptations, the film's early indicators raise concerns about its ability to recoup its massive investment. Additionally, Gunn has faced backlash for promoting political themes within the film which might further alienate certain audiences. The hope is for a strong debut to offset pre-sale disappointments and cultivate an audience willing to recommend the film as a must-see event.