Superman vs The Fantastic Four: First Steps: James Gunn Shuts Down Fan Rivalry for July Clash

As the summer 2025 box office heats up, all eyes are on the Superman vs The Fantastic Four: First Steps showdown, with DC’s Superman hitting theaters on July 11 and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps following on July 25.

DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who wrote and directed Superman, recently addressed the online fan wars pitting these superhero titans against each other. His comments, shared on Threads, emphasize unity over rivalry, sparking widespread discussion.

Here’s everything we know about Gunn’s stance and the epic clash awaiting audiences.

What Did James Gunn Say About the Superman and Fantastic Four Rivalry?

On May 31, 2025, a fan on Threads asked Gunn for his take on The Fantastic Four: First Steps in the context of fans comparing it to Superman. Gunn responded, “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.”

Gunn’s message was clear: he’s not here for divisive fan debates. His words, echoed across outlets like IGN, CBR, and ScreenRant, highlight his desire to celebrate both films. Posts on X from @MCU_Direct and @DCU_Direct amplified his quote, with hundreds of likes and comments praising his diplomacy.

Why Are Fans Pitting Superman Against The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

The Superman vs The Fantastic Four: First Steps buzz stems from their close release dates and the storied Marvel-DC rivalry. Superman, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, marks the DC Universe’s (DCU) rebooted debut, with a cast including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, ushering in Marvel’s Phase 6.

Social media, especially Reddit and X, is abuzz with fans debating which film will dominate. A Reddit post on r/marvelstudios garnered 325 votes, with users like u/MarvelsGrantMan136 noting the potential for a “Super4” or “FantasticMan” cultural moment akin to Barbenheimer.

Others, however, expressed concern about box office cannibalization, citing high ticket costs.

How Might the Box Office Battle Play Out?

The two-week gap between Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps gives DC a head start, but both films face intense pressure. Early projections from CBR suggest Superman could open with $175 million domestically, bolstered by a 250-million-view trailer that outpaced The Fantastic Four’s 500,000 social mentions.

Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four benefits from Marvel’s summer blockbuster track record, though test screening feedback has been mixed, with some, like Film Threat’s Chris Gore, claiming Superman’s cut impressed audiences more.

Both films risk losing China’s market due to U.S. trade tensions, per Variety, and Superman faces a lawsuit over international distribution rights. Despite these hurdles, ScreenRant notes that healthy competition, as seen in 2016’s Civil War vs. Batman v Superman, can boost the superhero genre.

Can Both Films Coexist Successfully?

Gunn’s optimism isn’t just rhetoric—history supports his view. In 2024, Moana 2 and Wicked thrived despite close releases, and 2016 saw multiple superhero films succeed within months. Gunn’s Marvel roots, including directing the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, inform his belief in a shared audience.

He’s also buoyed by Marvel-DC comic crossovers, like 2025’s Batman vs. Deadpool one-shots, signaling collaboration over conflict. X users like @syriangeekvibes praised Gunn’s maturity, while Reddit’s r/DC_Cinematic (787 votes) saw fans argue that a strong Superman could push Marvel to elevate The Fantastic Four.

However, some, like @Idrisvirgo’s unverified September 2024 claim of Marvel eyeing a same-day release, suggest studios might escalate the clash, though no evidence supports this.

What’s at Stake for the DCU and MCU?

The Superman vs The Fantastic Four: First Steps face-off is more than a box office race—it’s a referendum on two franchises’ futures. Superman is the DCU’s cornerstone, with Warner Bros.’ hopes riding on Gunn’s vision after the DCEU’s mixed run.

The Fantastic Four aims to redeem Marvel’s First Family after lackluster prior films, setting the tone for Phase 6. Fan sentiment on X, from @FandomWire to @DCMultiverses, leans toward excitement for both, with Gunn’s comments earning respect for defusing toxicity.

Still, challenges like Superman’s legal woes and The Fantastic Four’s VFX concerns could tip the scales.

Some Closing Thoughts:

July 2025 promises a superhero spectacle with Superman vs The Fantastic Four: First Steps captivating audiences.

James Gunn’s call for positivity over rivalry sets a refreshing tone, reminding fans to celebrate creativity.

Whether you’re Team DC or Marvel, this summer’s cinematic clash is a win for comic book lovers. Grab your tickets and let the heroes soar.