We May Have Finally Found an Answer to the Batman vs Superman Popularity Debate

The DC universe has no shortage of superheroes. Both their on-screen portrayals and comic books have some of the most iconic names in the superhero landscape. However, in terms of popularity, it is tough to argue that any other superhero can match Superman and Batman.

There has been a constant debate among fans about who is the more popular hero among the two. Both Superman and Batman have been featured on screen for many decades, and it seems like James Gunn’s upcoming Superman has finally answered that debate.

Superman vs. Batman popularity debate might have an answer now

James Gunn is finally bringing what DC fans have been waiting for for a long time. The DC Studios has divided the current DC superhero landscape into two sections: DCU and DC Elseworlds, and the David Corenswet starrer Superman will kickstart the live-action cinema of the DCU.

The DCU will be the shared universe of superheroes, while DC Elseworlds will take place outside of it. While DCU has only one installment so far in the form of Creature Commandos, Elseworlds has seen some hit installments already, and The Batman has been one of the most popular among them.

The Batman was released in 2022. Fans were hyped up as Robert Pattinson was getting introduced as the Dark Knight after Ben Affleck’s not-so-successful portrayal. Corenswet is also facing a similar situation, as Henry Cavill‘s Superman portrayal has been quite controversial throughout.

However, it looks like Corenswet’s Superman has surpassed the popularity of Pattinson’s Batman, as the teaser trailer of Superman is about to surpass the views of The Batman‘s DC FanDome teaser, just within four days of its release.

The Superman trailer currently has over 40 million views, while The Batman‘s FanDome teaser has a total of 42 million views. The main trailer of The Batman, which was released three years ago, has around 63 million views, and judging by Superman‘s pace, it won’t take much time to surpass that as well.

A few days ago, Gunn also shared on Instagram that the Superman trailer has crossed over 250 million views across different social media platforms and is “officially the most viewed and the most talked about trailer in the history of both DC and Warner Bros.” This, in a way, shows that Superman is currently being the more popular superhero as far as the movie scenario is concerned. 

Why Superman is currently more popular than Batman

As far as the overall popularity is concerned, Batman is still arguably the most popular superhero in general. However, the current scenario of DC films and the studio’s history have possibly played a role in popularizing Superman more.

One possible reason could be that fans saw the last Superman film over a decade ago. After Man of Steel was released in 2013, many were waiting for and demanding its sequel, but in return viewers got Batman V Superman and Justice League, which were heavily criticized, to say the least.

Moreover, Ben Affleck was still getting some love as his portrayal aligned with Zack Snyder’s vision of a dark, bruised, and experienced Batman. However, Snyder also went for a dark take on Superman, which didn’t align well with the traditional and popular characteristics of the hero, and Cavill has to face its consequences. 

Also historically, Batman has been portrayed quite well in movies. The Dark Knight trilogy is still considered one of the best. But for Superman, it seems like fans have not been getting what they want to see in movies since Christopher Reeve’s films. Brandon Routh’s Superman Returns also couldn’t live up to the expectations.

Now, along with this craving to see a perfect portrayal of Superman, the new hype for DCU and James Gunn’s reputation possibly played their part as well to make the superhero the most popular name currently.

Superman will be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.

The Batman is available to stream on Max.