The creative team behind the new Superman film is responding to mounting backlash after director James Gunn described the iconic DC hero as “an immigrant that came from other places” and framed the movie as a commentary on American identity.
Gunn’s remarks, made during a Sunday profile in The Times of London, triggered criticism from conservative commentators and media outlets. In the piece, Gunn said, “Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”
That quote sparked immediate reactions online, with detractors accusing the film of promoting an overt political message. Fox News labeled the film “Superwoke,” with anchor Kellyanne Conway commenting, “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.” Jesse Watters added sarcastically, “You know what it says on his cape? MS13.”
Sean Gunn: “We support our people. We love our immigrants. Superman is an immigrant.”
“If you don’t like that, then you’re not American.” pic.twitter.com/O8924ers7k
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 8, 2025
At Monday night’s premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the film’s cast and crew addressed the controversy directly.
Gunn, asked by Variety about the backlash, kept his response measured:
“I’m not here to judge people. I think this is a movie about kindness, and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
Actor Nathan Fillion, who plays Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), offered a more lighthearted take: “Aw, somebody needs a hug. Just a movie, guys.”
But it was Sean Gunn, who plays Maxwell Lord and is the director’s brother, who drew the sharpest line.
“My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about,” he said. “We support our people. We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants. And if you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”
Critics argue the film repurposes Superman’s story—originally created in 1938 by Jewish immigrants Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster—into a political metaphor at odds with its traditional appeal. Supporters counter that Superman has always represented themes of hope, belonging, and moral clarity—and that the immigration lens is neither new nor unwarranted.
