Superman Ticket Sales Slowdown: Is James Gunn’s DC Reboot in Trouble?

The reports of Superman's Ticket Sales are making headlines, but not for the reasons fans hoped. Recent reports suggest that advance ticket sales for James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, set to release on July 11, 2025, are slowing down.

This news, dropped by industry insider Jeff Sneider on the latest episode of The Hot Mic podcast, has sparked debates about the film’s box office potential. With a star-studded cast led by David Corenswet and a $225 million budget, what’s behind this unexpected dip? Let’s dive into the context, analyze the situation, and explore what it means for the DC Universe’s bold new chapter.

What Did Jeff Sneider Say About The Superman Ticket Sales?

On the most recent episode of The Hot Mic, co-hosted by Jeff Sneider and John Rocha, Sneider revealed that pre-sale ticket numbers for Superman are decelerating. He noted that the initial buzz, which saw the film break Fandango’s 2025 advance ticket sales record for Amazon Prime early access screenings, has not sustained momentum.

Sneider’s comments align with sentiments on X, where users like @screensourced and @Culture3ase have reported a projected $100 million opening weekend, a significant drop from earlier estimates of $135 million.

Sneider’s remarks weren’t framed as a definitive prediction of failure but as a cautionary note. He suggested that the slowdown could reflect waning enthusiasm following mixed test screening reactions.

Earlier, Sneider and Rocha reported negative feedback from screenings, with some comparing the film to Josh Trank’s infamous Fant4stic. While these claims remain unverified, they’ve fueled skepticism among fans, particularly those still loyal to Zack Snyder’s DCEU vision.

Contextualizing the Superman Ticket Sales Slowdown

To understand the Superman Ticket Sales slowdown, we need context. In June 2025, Fandango reported that Superman outpaced all 2025 releases, including Fantastic Four: First Steps, in first-day ticket sales for its July 8 Amazon Prime early access screenings.

This early success suggested a massive debut, with industry insiders speculating a $100 million-plus opening weekend.

However, recent posts on X indicate a shift. The $100 million projection, while still respectable, falls short of the $135 million domestic opening forecasted by The Hollywood Reporter in June.

Compared to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, which opened to $116.9 million in 2013, Superman’s current trajectory is underwhelming for a film heralded as the DC Universe’s relaunch.

International markets also pose challenges. Soft pre-sales in China, coupled with competition from Jurassic World Rebirth, could limit overseas earnings, which accounted for 57% of Man of Steel’s $668 million global total. These factors suggest Superman Ticket Sales face a tougher road than initially expected.

Key Takeaways:

• Superman Ticket Sales Slowdown: Jeff Sneider reported on The Hot Mic that advance ticket sales for James Gunn’s Superman are losing steam, projecting a $100 million opening weekend.

• Initial Hype: The film broke Fandango’s 2025 advance ticket sales record in June, outpacing Fantastic Four: First Steps.

• Box Office Context: Earlier projections estimated a $135 million domestic opening, but current estimates are lower than Man of Steel’s $116.9 million debut in 2013.

• Test Screening Concerns: Sneider and Rocha cited negative test screening feedback, with some comparing Superman to Fant4stic, though these claims are unverified.

• International Challenges: Soft pre-sales in China and competition from Jurassic World Rebirth may impact global earnings.

Why Are Superman Ticket Sales Slowing?

Several factors could explain the reported slowdown in Superman Ticket Sales. First, test screening rumors have cast a shadow. Sneider’s earlier claims of negative reactions, echoed by X posts comparing the film to Fant4stic, may have dampened fan enthusiasm.

While unconfirmed, such buzz can influence perceptions, especially among Snyderverse fans resistant to Gunn’s vision.Second, superhero fatigue may be at play. Despite Gunn’s fresh take—emphasizing Superman’s kindness and moral compass in a cynical world—the genre faces audience burnout.

Recent disappointments like M3GAN 2.0 highlight the risks of overhyped blockbusters.

Third, competition is fierce. Jurassic World Rebirth and other summer releases could divert audiences, particularly in international markets like China, where Superman is struggling.

Additionally, the film’s $225 million budget raises the stakes, requiring a global haul closer to Man of Steel’s $668 million to break even.

Finally, fan division persists. Posts on X, such as those from @bekoumovies and @Kenneth27876404, reveal frustration among Snyderverse supporters, some boycotting Superman with hashtags like #RestoreTheSnyderVerse. This vocal minority could impact early momentum.

What Does This Mean for James Gunn’s DC Universe?

The Superman Ticket Sales slowdown doesn’t spell doom for Gunn’s DC Universe, but it’s a wake-up call. As the first film in the relaunched DCU, Superman sets the tone for future projects like Supergirl and Clayface.

A strong critical reception could still boost walk-up sales, with early buzz praising David Corenswet’s chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.

Gunn’s vision, inspired by All-Star Superman and featuring Krypto the Superdog, aims to differentiate Superman from past iterations. However, the film must overcome skepticism and deliver a compelling narrative to win over audiences.

International performance will be crucial. If Superman underperforms overseas, it could strain DC Studios’ ambitious plans. Conversely, a domestic overperformance, driven by positive reviews, could push it closer to the $150 million opening some analysts still see as possible.

Looking Ahead for Superman Ticket Sales:

The Superman Ticket Sales slowdown is a bump, not a crash, for James Gunn’s DC reboot. While Jeff Sneider’s Hot Mic comments highlight legitimate concerns, the film’s early sales success and star power suggest it’s too soon to write it off.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With a week until its July 11 release, critical buzz and final marketing pushes could reignite interest.Fans remain divided, but Superman’s focus on hope and humanity might resonate in a polarized world.

Whether it soars past Man of Steel or falls short, Superman will shape the DCU’s future. For now, all eyes are on the box office—and the Man of Steel’s ability to defy gravity.