James Gunn Breathes Easier After SUPERMAN's Box Office Success, Admits Stakes Were High — GeekTyrant
In a candid conversation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn admitted feeling a significant weight lifted off his shoulders thanks to the positive reception of Superman . He revealed:
"I have a strange way of approaching work. When I'm working, when I'm filming or writing, I really don't feel pressure- I'm having fun, that's my relief valve.
'That's a relieving time for me. But then outside of that, yeah, I felt a lot of pressure. I mean, there was a lot riding on this."
Gunn emphasized that the pressure wasn't just about box office numbers or reviews, but rather the responsibility he felt toward the entire creative team behind the movie. He explained:
"When I feel pressure, the first pressure is from all the people that worked on this movie- the department heads and the actors that believe in it so much and Peter Safran, they all believed in this project so much.
'From the beginning, everyone was just wholeheartedly, 100% in and if it comes out and it's crap, that just sucks."
The stakes extended beyond just Superman , with Gunn talking about how the film's success would directly impact the broader DC Universe and other projects already in motion:
"Also, we have Craig Gillespie working on Supergirl, Chris, Damon and Tom working on Lanterns, and James with Clayface so there's all these other people, working on these other projects that could have been bolstered or hampered by this movie- and thank God, they've all been bolstered by it."
The positive reaction to Superman marks a significant milestone, officially kicking off the cinematic vision Gunn has planned for DC Studios. The film not only revitalizes the iconic superhero but also sets an an exciting tone for what's ahead in the newly reimagined DC Universe.
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Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Jono Pandolfi's square-sided plates are favored by chefs at some of the country's most design-forward restaurants, and as soon as I had the pleasure of turning one over in my hand, it was easy to see why. The silhouette of this set is striking yet understated, and while the vertical, 'toasted' rims and crisp corners may not be exclusive to Pandolfi, they remain a really nice departure from the familiar round form. Some plates feel artisanal because, well, they're marketed to feel artisanal. Pandolfi plates, on the other hand, feel that way because they just are : Each piece is made by hand in the brand's New Jersey studio. And while there's enough variation in finish and form here to signal real craftsmanship, there's also a remarkable consistency in scale and proportion. 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Year & Day's dinnerware set feels less like a runner-up and more like an equally compelling option, ... More winning on both value and color flexibility. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. No grand claims, no gimmicky marketing—just reliable dishes that do their job. That's what I got with this set. And at the end of the day, the fact that it wasn't trying to impress was precisely what made it so impressive. I found Amazon's dinnerware to be incredibly durable, functional and far better than you'd expect for the price. After months of daily use, including constant dishwasher cycles, I didn't witness a single chip or crack (I tested the 18-piece white porcelain set, which comes with six dinner plates, salad plates and bowls). 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(That said, even my top pick, Fable, did show some utensil markings; that's to be expected with most matte finishes. They buffed out easily, though—and given how sought-after that velvety matte look is right now, it still earned its spot.) I evaluated how each set looked both on the table and behind cabinet doors, considering everything from shape and color to the harmony of a complete place setting. I prioritized versatility, so sets that felt equally at home on a casual weeknight or a dressed-up dinner table were winners in my book. Costa Nova's set, for instance, was easily the most striking of the bunch (in my opinion), but its elevated feel made it better suited for special occasions than everyday use, and it's a splurge, too—which is why it earned the 'Best Luxury" title. Ergonomics And Functionality Dinnerware has to feel good in the hand—it's part of the package. For that reason, I considered the general weight and balance of each piece, as well as how well the bowls nested and the plates stacked. I also looked at practical details like rim width and depth. Value A great dinnerware set should offer long-term value, and that includes the ability to replace individual pieces down the line (even the best dishes can break, after all!). I prioritized brands that sell open stock and have a stable presence in the market, making it far less likely their collections will be discontinued anytime soon. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team is committed to hands-on testing and in-depth research to help you find the most reliable, high-performing products for your home. This article was written by deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, who has been covering the home and kitchen beat for over a decade and brings both editorial expertise and real-world insight to the (in this case, very literal) table. To support the testing process, Lowin interviewed Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy, who offered insight into how shoppers can balance long-term durability with visual appeal when selecting a set. We prioritize up-to-date reporting; this article was last updated in July 2025. What To Consider When Shopping For Dinnerware Sets The best dinnerware sets strike a balance between beauty, durability and everyday function. These are the specific factors that matter most when deciding what to bring to the table: Size And Number Of Settings Think about how many place settings you need (typically 4, 6 or 8), and whether the dinner plates, bowls and mugs are appropriately sized for your eating habits and storage space. Consider the footprint of each piece, too: Oversized plates may not fit in compact dishwashers or standard cabinets. Material And Finish The most common materials are porcelain, stoneware and bone china, each with its own pros and cons when it comes to durability, weight and overall look. Glaze finish also plays a bigger role than many realize: Matte surfaces tend to show utensil marks more easily, while glossy glazes resist scuffs and are easier to clean. And then there's the question of style, which may or may not matter to you: 'We're seeing a lean into handcrafted, imperfect forms and matte finishes in nature-inspired or bold jewel tones,' offers Johnson. 'This trend emphasizes unique pieces that add personality and a tactile dimension to the dining experience, moving away from mass-produced uniformity.' Microwave And Dishwasher Safety If easy cleanup and reheating matter to you, look for pieces that are officially microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Make sure they're built to survive the daily grind, from reheating leftovers to enduring the heat of the dishwasher. (And don't just assume they are, either; some bestselling sets are surprisingly high-maintenance. A quick glance at the fine print might save you.) Open Stock Availability Can you replace a chipped bowl later on, or add a few extra plates as your household grows? It's worth finding out upfront. Brands that offer open stock not only make it easier to build a flexible collection, but also typically treat dinnerware as a long-term offering rather than a limited-run design. This is also the model preferred by restaurants and caterers, who count on being able to restock pieces reliably over time. Overall, it's a good sign of durability and long-term availability for you, too. What Should I Look For When Buying a Dinnerware Set? Start with the material—porcelain, stoneware or bone china all offer a different feel. Next, look for a design that suits your style but won't feel dated after a few years. Practicality matters too: Make sure the pieces are dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and consider whether the brand sells open stock so you can easily replace or expand your set over time. Is Porcelain Better Than Stoneware? It depends on what you're looking for. Porcelain is smoother, lighter and more refined, so it can be ideal for a modern, polished look. Stoneware, meanwhile, is heavier with a more rustic, handmade feel. But both materials are typically durable and dishwasher-safe (though stoneware may be slightly more resistant to everyday wear). It really comes down to your style and how you plan to use it. What Is The Most Durable Dinnerware Material? Stoneware and porcelain are both excellent options for durability, especially when paired with a high-gloss glaze. Glossy finishes help protect the surface from utensil marks and make the pieces easier to clean, while matte finishes (though beautiful) tend to show scratches and wear more quickly. Stoneware is also generally thicker and more chip-resistant, while porcelain is lighter but still strong.
