In a bold statement, filmmaker James Gunn is reshaping the narrative around the upcoming Superman film, which marks the start of his and Peter Safran's new DC Universe under Warner Bros. Many have speculated that the film must soar to $700 million to be deemed a success, but Gunn is calling that notion "nonsense."

In a recent GQ cover story featuring David Corenswet, who plays Clark Kent, Gunn shared his perspective on the intense pressure surrounding box office performance amidst escalating "superhero fatigue." He acknowledged that while there is some risk, the stakes aren’t as sky-high as fans might believe. "This is not the riskiest endeavor in the world," he asserts. "They hear these numbers and it just isn’t true—it's blown out of proportion."

Despite Gunn's attempt to temper expectations, it's hard to ignore that the film carries a hefty price tag. Reports indicate that the budget for this superhero extravaganza is around $225 million after utilizing various incentives and tax breaks, with marketing costs potentially reaching an additional $200 million.

At its core, the new Superman film will explore a youthful Clark Kent as he navigates his Kryptonian legacy while embracing his human upbringing, all while juggling the life of a reporter in bustling Metropolis. Co-starring Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, this eagerly awaited flick is set to soar into theaters on July 11. Can it redefine success for superhero films?