In a recent interview, Gunn pushed back against the online chatter that the film needs to gross a massive $700 million to be profitable.
“This is not the riskiest endeavor in the world,” the director said. “Is there something riding on it? Yeah, but it’s not as big as people make it out to be. 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.”
So, how did everyone come up with the $700 million number?
'Superman' Credit: Warner Bros.
If we were breaking it down, a film usually needs to make approximately two-and-a-half times its production budget to break even, factoring in marketing and distribution costs.
With reports placing the Superman budget in the range of $200 to $225 million, a $700 million worldwide gross would undoubtedly be a solid win.
I am happy Gunn came out and said something. Of course, there are stakes involved with the launch of a new DC Universe; but a movie has to live on its own as well.
They have both Clayface and Supergirl greenlit. I guess if Superman totally bombed, it could affect that, but their rollout strategy, but the movie is tracking for a massive opening weekend.
We often solely measure a movie's success in box office receipts, but the film's ability to resonate with audiences, generate positive word-of-mouth, and, most importantly, lay a compelling groundwork for the future of the DCU will be the actual test.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
'Superman' Credit: Warner Bros. 
