Thescreescore – James Gunn, the visionary director behind the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and now helming the upcoming Superman film, has addressed the brewing box office showdown between his DC project and Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps. Both films are slated for July 2025 releases, creating a potential clash of cinematic titans. Superman lands on July 11th, while Fantastic Four: First Steps follows on July 25th, smack-dab in the middle of San Diego Comic-Con.
Responding to a query on Threads regarding the inevitable fan comparisons, Gunn displayed characteristically good humor and diplomacy. He stated, "They come out two weeks after us – there’s room for us both! I love my friends at Marvel. You can find whatever discussions you’d want to find online. I’d focus on all the positivity around the films instead of getting sucked up in online fan wars." This statement cleverly sidesteps the potential conflict, emphasizing the shared success of the superhero genre.
The box office performance of both films will undoubtedly be a key talking point. While a two-week gap exists, the later release of Fantastic Four: First Steps could still impact Superman‘s overall run, particularly during its later weeks. However, history shows that a crowded superhero landscape can actually benefit the genre as a whole. The success of 2016, which saw the release of Deadpool, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America: Civil War, and X-Men: Apocalypse within a short timeframe, serves as a prime example.
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Gunn’s assertion that there’s "room for both" is a savvy observation. The success of films like Moana 2 and Wicked, which dominated the Thanksgiving box office last year despite their close proximity, reinforces this point. Ultimately, the success of both Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps hinges less on direct competition and more on the overall health and appeal of the superhero genre. The real battle isn’t DC versus Marvel; it’s both studios vying for audience attention in a summer packed with blockbuster potential. The focus should be on the excitement surrounding these highly anticipated films, not on manufactured online rivalries.
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