James Gunn Blasts Reports That ‘Superman’ Needs $650M to Break Even: “Absolutely False”

James Gunn’s “Superman,” now sitting at $331M domestic, surpassed “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” to claim the crown as the highest-grossing ‘Superman’ movie ever in the U.S.

In global terms, it’s hit $578M, not even close to 2013’s ‘Man of Steel’ worldwide record, which looks safe unless there’s a late-summer miracle. This has led to some speculating whether Warner Bros made money off of “Superman,” or worse, didn’t break even.

Naturally, box-office success hasn’t kept the film out of online crossfire. It’s come to the point where Gunn has to, yet again, swat away claims that the film needs $650M to break even. Who to believe?

Gunn calls that $650M figure “absolutely false,” adding that only “idiots” would greenlight a first-in-franchise film that required such a return. (via Threads) It seems to be a very sensitive topic for the filmmaker as this isn’t the first time he’s had to vehemently deny a break-even figure for his film, which Warner Bros swears is $500M.

“Absolutely false. Anyone saying that doesn’t have an understanding of the film business – and we would be idiots to make a first-in-a-franchise film that would need to make that much to be profitable.”

If you remember, back in June, The Wrap quoted a top Hollywood talent agent claiming the film would need to gross $700M just to break even. Gunn, not one to stay quiet, quickly shot that down, calling the figure “complete and utter nonsense.”

Part of the confusion stems from an Ohio tax credit application listing the film’s budget at $363M, a number Gunn has flatly dismissed in favor of Warner Bros.’ official $225M production figure. Domestically, WB will be thrilled. Internationally? It’s been a middling showing.

In fact, “F1,” which is getting re-released on IMAX this coming weekend, might match or even surpass “Superman” as both are eyeing a final global tally of around $600M. Did anybody predict this outcome? It’s quite the story.

The PVOD release for “Superman” set for August 26 — a quick 45-day theatrical run before hitting living rooms.