Movies

‘Superman’ isn’t superwoke. Why the backlash is overblown

BBG News

This story contains some spoilers for “Superman.”

In James Gunn’s “Superman,” it’s a heart-wrenching revelation for the main character that his biological parents intended for him to rule over humans on Earth.

Currently playing in cinemas, the movie unfolds several years into Superman’s tenure as a superhero. Originally raised on a farm in Smallville, Kansas, as Clark Kent, this Kryptonian has long held the belief that a message from his birth parents served as an inspiration to employ his powers for protection and heroism. However, he is deeply unsettled upon discovering that this was not their true intention at all.

Instead, it’s pointed out by Clark’s human father, Jonathan, that the true meaning behind the message isn’t significant.

“Your choices [and] your actions, that’s what makes you who you are,” he says to his son.

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In a fresh start for the DC Extended Universe, director James Gunn introduces a dynamic portrayal of Superman, played by David Corenswet. Alongside him, Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan also star in this exciting production.

Superman’s extraordinary abilities could be due to his alien origin, but what truly defines him as a superhero is his character – compassionate, kind-hearted, and guided by strong moral principles. It’s worth noting that these qualities stem from the nurturing environment he was brought up in, under the care of loving parents in the heartland of America.

Although “Superman” remains quintessentially American, the film has turned into the latest battleground in America’s ongoing cultural conflict due to director James Gunn’s statements highlighting that the character originated as an immigrant.

However, Superman’s story revolves around the theme of successful assimilation and seizing opportunities. The upcoming film further emphasizes this, as Superman would not be the hero we know if he had not been raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent on a Kansas farm. Despite being an immigrant, it’s difficult to ignore the similarities between Superman and the immigrants who have historically been welcomed in our nation during these times of political tension.

For about a month now, the Trump administration has intensified actions against Latino communities across California. There have been numerous immigration raids, which appear to be randomly apprehending individuals from their workplaces, courthouses, and even parking lots. Federal officials reject accusations that these operations are based solely on skin color. According to federal authorities, over 2,700 undocumented immigrants have been detained in L.A. since early June.

It’s not new that certain racial and ethnic minority groups have faced discrimination by the U.S. government, with a notable instance being the internment of about 120,000 individuals of Japanese origin during World War II, regardless of their citizenship status. They were confined in camps despite having no proven links to enemy activities.

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The upcoming movie, featuring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, aims to mark a fresh chapter in the history of DC Studios, a company that’s faced challenges in delivering successful superhero films over the past few years.

Instead, Gunn’s stance on his “Superman” has consistently been that it is a film centered around compassion and doing what’s right.

As a fervent admirer speaking on this topic, I’d like to share my perspective echoing the filmmaker’s words to The London Times. Superman, in essence, embodies the spirit of America – an individual who migrated from distant lands and contributed significantly to our nation. To me, the movie isn’t just about a superhero, but it represents “human kindness” – a powerful message that resonates deeply with me.

The response was immediate as traditional conservative pundits and figures criticized the movie, claiming it was overly progressive or “too woke,” even before its release. Even Dean Cain, a former Superman actor, has voiced his criticism against Gunn’s statements and what he perceives as the politicization of the character’s narrative.

In reaction, both comic book enthusiasts and some democratic politicians have highlighted that Superman, hailing from the distant planet Krypton and sent to Earth to flee its demise, has consistently embodied the role of an immigrant.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach) recently shared on platform X that the Superman tale can be seen as a narrative about an immigrant striving to bring about the greatest good, despite being an outsider. His primary adversary is a wealthy individual. It’s important to remember that one cannot alter his character simply because they dislike his backstory. In essence, comics often carry political undertones.

As a fervent supporter, I’d rephrase that statement like this: “I found myself reflecting on Superman’s situation if he were a real character, and considering him an undocumented immigrant, much like many others.” Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office expressed this thought on Thursday via X, in response to the White House’s depiction of Trump as Superman.

On various social media platforms, people have been sharing scenes from earlier Superman productions such as “Lois & Clark” by Cain, which discuss the character’s immigration situation.

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Dean Cain expresses criticism towards James Gunn’s latest statements regarding his upcoming ‘Superman,’ stating that it was inappropriate for the director to associate the legendary character with the immigrant experience.

Regardless of the criticism and uproar, it’s important to note that Superman has not always appeared as “aware” or politically conscious as recent discussions might suggest.

Superman, a character conceived by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, who were themselves children of Jewish immigrants, made his debut in the first issue of “Action Comics” during the 1930s. His distinctive red and blue costume with a cape has become just as iconic as his superpowers that border on the divine. Moreover, Superman is equally recognized for his role as an all-American hero, not only due to his moral righteousness but also his appealing charm.

Through various mediums such as comics, radio, television, and movies, his exploits have been numerous. Apart from battling malevolent billionaires, Superman has faced off against super-powered villains, extraterrestrial enemies, and even replicas of himself, not to mention everyday threats like the Nazi regime and the Ku Klux Klan. Indeed, some Superman tales delve into political matters more than others.

Superman, being a Kryptonian brought up by Earthly parents, often grapples with feelings of alienation due to his dual identity. Although he’s always been portrayed as moderate in his political views, his character doesn’t extensively explore the experiences of immigrants or those perceived differently within U.S. society. If you’re interested in stories that delve into these themes, I’d recommend checking out the “X-Men.”

Superman, who grew up among humans as an alien, often feels like he doesn’t belong due to his unique identity. While he’s not radical in his politics, his story usually avoids discussing the experiences of immigrants or people perceived differently in the U.S. If you want stories that focus on these themes, you might enjoy reading about the “X-Men.

In other words, as Clark Kent’s physical appearance is stereotypically American, his nationality or immigration status is never in doubt, which can be seen as a subtle challenge to societal norms, but this topic is better suited for discussion in a different “Superman” storyline.

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2025-07-12 13:31

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