James Gunn is feeling “incredibly grateful” for the initial box office success of Superman and the positive reception from audiences. The filmmaker and co-head of DC Studios took to Threads on Sunday to express his appreciation after the superhero blockbuster saw an estimated global debut of $217 million .

James Gunn’s Superman soars past $215 million box office open amid rave reviews - Critics have declared James Gunn’s reboot will ‘make you believe in superhero movies again’

James Gunn has carved out a unique legacy in the superhero genre, leaving an indelible mark on Marvel and DC with varying legacies. Gunn’s ability to balance irreverent comedy with deeply emotional storytelling sets him apart in a genre often weighed down by formula.

Director Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie, which premiered in 1978, is a classic piece of cinema that continues to shape the superhero genre today. Most recently, it led the way for writer-director James Gunn to release Superman, a more modern imagining of the Man of Steel’s adventures, with David Corenswet portraying the titular hero.

James Gunn, the director known for big hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, recently sat down for an interview with the French media outlet Konbini. During the chat, he shared his thoughts on movies that have stuck with him,