Donald Trump Trashes Superman Movie as ‘Not That Great,’ Faces $1 Billion Lawsuit from James Gunn for Unauthorized Use of Poster to Cast Himself as a Superhero Icon

Trump’s Superman Poster Controversy Ignites $1 Billion Lawsuit from James Gunn

Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has found himself at the center of a legal firestorm after director James Gunn filed a staggering $1 billion lawsuit against him and the White House for the unauthorized use of a Superman movie poster. The lawsuit, filed in federal court on July 10, 2025, accuses Trump of copyright infringement and defamation after he used the poster to portray himself as a superhero while simultaneously dismissing the film as “not really a great movie.” The controversy has sparked heated debate, with Trump claiming the movie’s recent buzz is largely due to his own publicity stunt.

The Poster That Started It All

The dispute stems from a promotional campaign in late June 2025, where Trump’s team allegedly used imagery from the upcoming Superman film, directed by James Gunn, to depict the former president as a superhero. The poster, featuring a digitally altered image of Trump in Superman’s iconic pose, was widely circulated on social media and appeared in materials linked to his political activities. The move drew immediate backlash from Warner Bros. and Gunn, who argued that the use was unauthorized and damaging to the film’s brand.

Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, took particular offense, claiming that the poster’s use not only violated copyright but also misrepresented the film’s message. “This is a story about hope, unity, and heroism,” Gunn said in a statement. “To see it co-opted for personal gain and political posturing is unacceptable.”

Trump’s Dismissal of the Film

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump doubled down on his actions during a recent press conference, dismissing the Superman film as overhyped. “It’s not really a great movie, folks,” Trump remarked. “The only reason people are talking about it is because of me—because of my poster. It’s tremendous publicity, believe me.” His comments have drawn sharp criticism from fans and industry insiders, who argue that the film, set for release later this year, has garnered significant anticipation due to Gunn’s acclaimed directorial vision and a star-studded cast.

Trump’s remarks have also been seen as an attempt to undermine the film’s cultural impact while deflecting responsibility for the unauthorized use of its imagery. Critics point out that his comments may further complicate his legal defense, as they could be interpreted as defamatory toward the film’s reputation.

The $1 Billion Lawsuit

James Gunn’s lawsuit seeks $1 billion in damages, citing both financial losses and reputational harm caused by Trump’s actions. The complaint alleges that the unauthorized use of the Superman poster misled audiences, potentially alienating viewers and tarnishing the film’s carefully crafted marketing campaign. Additionally, the lawsuit names the White House as a co-defendant, arguing that the poster was used in official communications tied to Trump’s political activities during his time in office or subsequent campaigns.

Legal experts suggest the case could set a significant precedent for intellectual property disputes involving high-profile figures. “This isn’t just about a poster,” said intellectual property attorney Sarah Klein. “It’s about the broader implications of using copyrighted material for political gain without permission. The damages sought reflect the scale of the alleged harm to the Superman brand.”

Public and Industry Reactions

The controversy has divided public opinion. Supporters of Trump argue that the poster was a creative expression of free speech and a nod to his larger-than-life persona. “He’s a superhero to millions,” one supporter posted on X. “Gunn should be thanking him for the free publicity.” Others, however, see Trump’s actions as a blatant disregard for intellectual property rights and an attempt to hijack a cultural icon for personal gain.

The entertainment industry has rallied behind Gunn, with several prominent filmmakers and actors condemning Trump’s actions. “Superman stands for truth and justice, not political stunts,” tweeted actor David Corenswet, who stars as Superman in the upcoming film. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. has issued a statement distancing the film from the controversy, emphasizing that the studio had no involvement in the poster’s creation or distribution.

Trump’s Defense and What’s Next

Trump’s legal team has yet to formally respond to the lawsuit, but sources close to the former president indicate he plans to fight the claims vigorously. In characteristic fashion, Trump has taken to X to defend himself, posting, “James Gunn is just jealous of my tremendous influence. The movie’s a flop without me!” Such statements are likely to be scrutinized in court, as they may bolster Gunn’s defamation claims.

The case is expected to unfold over the coming months, with potential implications for Trump’s public image and the Superman film’s rollout. Legal analysts predict that the court may focus on whether Trump’s use of the poster constitutes “fair use” under copyright law or if it was a deliberate attempt to exploit the film’s intellectual property for personal gain.

A Cultural Clash

The Superman controversy is more than a legal battle—it’s a clash of cultural narratives. For decades, Superman has symbolized hope, heroism, and moral clarity, values that Gunn has emphasized in his vision for the film. Trump’s attempt to align himself with the character, while simultaneously dismissing the movie’s quality, has struck a nerve with fans who see the move as opportunistic.

As the lawsuit progresses, the public will be watching closely to see whether Trump’s gambit pays off or backfires. For now, James Gunn and Warner Bros. are standing firm, determined to protect their creative work from what they see as an audacious overreach. Meanwhile, Trump’s comments continue to generate headlines, ensuring that the Superman film remains in the spotlight—though perhaps not in the way its creators intended.

With the legal battle heating up and public discourse intensifying, one thing is clear: this is one superhero saga that’s far from over.