Just when you thought the DC Universe was finally taking flight again, James Gunn’s Superman (set to release July 11, 2025) might be hitting turbulence overseas—and not the kind you fix with a cape and heat vision. DC Studios and Warner Bros. have placed all their bets on Superman to rescue the franchise from the ashes of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. But now, a sudden twist in global politics could clip Superman’s wings before takeoff—at least in China.
On April 9, Donald Trump fired off a “reciprocal” tariff hike, slapping a 34% duty on Chinese imports (and threatening an extra 50% tariff on goods imported into the US). In response, Chinese state-affiliated bloggers leaked that China may retaliate by reducing—or flat-out banning—imports of U.S. films. That includes superhero flicks. Yes, even Superman.
The blogs weren’t just rants. One came from Liu Hong, a senior editor at Xinhua News Agency. Another came from Ren Yi, the grandson of a top Communist Party figure.
Now, if this ban actually happens, it could be brutal. In 2024, U.S. films made around $585 million in China. That might sound like small change compared to China’s $17.7 billion total box office, but it’s still a chunk of change Hollywood depends on. Just ask Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which stomped its way to $132 million in China. Of course, their own homegrown hit Ne Zha 2 surpassed all of the U.S. films and broke every record imaginable in 2025, crossing $2 billion globally. With local films dominating, China might not be in a rush to roll out the red carpet for U.S. titles anytime soon.
So, what does China’s possible ban on Hollywood movies mean for James Gunn’s Superman? Less money, fewer eyes, and a global rollout that’s already looking shaky. Earlier this year, the estate of Joseph Shuster (co-creator of Superman) filed a lawsuit that could prevent the film’s release in countries like Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia. This happens almost every time a new Superman film lands—same battle, different movie—but if the estate wins this round, Warner Bros. could lose some massive territories.
Bottom line: Superman might be saving the world on screen, but off-screen? He’s going to need a good lawyer and a really great international strategy.
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