Supermanis just days away from being released in theaters, with some lucky fans having already seen the film thanks to early bird screenings, and the battle between DCU and Zack Snyder fans has never been more contentious. The latter group is still upset over Henry Cavill being replaced as the Man of Steel, with David Corenswet playing Superman in the DCU for the foreseeable future. As well as those lucky fans, critics have also been treated to early access toSuperman, and the reviews have flooded the internet over the past 12 hours. While Snyder fans will staunchly defend “Zack Snyder’s vision” for the future of the DCEU, James Gunn’sSupermanis currently winning the fight.
The current war betweenSupermanandMan of Steelis being fought on the sacred battlefield of Rotten Tomatoes. DespiteMan of Steelhaving a devout fan base, which has grown in the years since its release, critics weren’t that impressed with the film when it premiered in theaters back in 2013.Man of Steelsits at a very divisive 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, from 340 reviews. While it doesn’t yet have as many reviews,Supermanis currently streets ahead ofMan of Steelfrom a critic’s perspective. James Gunn’s first DCU movie holds a far stronger 86% critics' score.
What does this actually mean forSuperman? If you’re one of those people who don’t care about Rotten Tomatoes or the rivalry between Zack Snyder and DCU fans, then it means about as much as Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) actually being a redhead in the comics. But, for the die-hard fans in both camps, it’s yet another reason for the DC fanbase to be divided.
Supermanmay have won the first battle, but the war is far from over. There are two more big milestones the film has to cross before it can be unanimously called a success and animprovement over Zack Snyder’sMan of Steel.The first and arguably toughest fight will come in the form of the RT audience score. Audiences will get to have their say on July 11, whenSupermanreleases in theaters. Along with genuine reviews, be they positive or negative, expect many hardcore DCEU fans to review-bombSupermanharder than the destruction of Krypton.
The second battle, which is most important in the eyes of the studios, is at the box office. While James Gunn said thatSupermandoesn’t have to be a bank-breaking blockbuster to be considered a success, DC Studios is likely hoping that it will surpassMan of Steel’s box office take, proving that fans are truly embracing the new version ofSuperman.Man of Steelearned $670 million worldwide when it was released in cinemas.Supermanis currently tracking for a $130 millionopening weekend, meaning that target could be attainable.
Supermanreleases in theaters on July 11.
