Gunn Dismisses Fan Wars Over Superman & Fantastic Four Films

This summer, two major superhero films will clash at the box office, with DC's Superman reboot premiering on July 11 and Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps following two weeks later on July 25. While fans debate online, DC Studios head James Gunn has dismissed fan rivalries, preferring to celebrate both franchises.

On Threads, Gunn responded to questions about The Fantastic Four amidst Marvel-DC comparisons by stating: "They release two weeks after us—there's space for both! I admire our friends at Marvel. Instead of online debates, I'd focus on the excitement surrounding these films."

Gunn brings unique perspective, having directed both Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and DC's The Suicide Squad (2021). Now co-leading DC Studios with Peter Safran, he's writing and directing Superman while shaping DC's new cinematic direction—a strategy Warner Bros. hopes will surpass the DCEU's performance.

The upcoming DCU slate ensures continued competition with Marvel, including 2026's Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (June 26) releasing just weeks before Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31). Television will see clashes too, with DC's Lanterns HBO series facing Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 and Vision Quest on Disney+.

Currently, attention centers on Superman and The Fantastic Four's box office potential. Regardless of franchise preference, July promises an exciting month for superhero enthusiasts.

Interestingly, Marvel and DC have collaborated on their first major crossover in over 20 years—two 2025 one-shots featuring Batman and Deadpool, with more crossovers planned for 2026. This historic partnership demonstrates that behind studio competition lies mutual creative respect.