James Gunn has sparked controversy after he called Superman “the story of America,” pointing out the Man of Steel’s immigrant status. Comic books have always been political, and it’s not surprising that superhero movies have struggled to navigate this; they want to appeal to a wider audience, which means political messages are potentially divisive.
The last decade has essentially been marked by furious debate over American self-idenтιтy, and that’s caused problems for superheroes like Captain America (the potential return of Donald Trump led to significant reshoots of Captain America: Brave New World). Unsurprisingly, the big-screen return of Superman – ᴀssociated with “Truth, justice, and the American Way” – has waded into controversy.
Over the weekend, The Times published an interview with writer and director James Gunn that bore a perhaps ominous тιтle: “James Gunn: Some people will take offence at my new Superman.” The movie hasn’t actually come out yet, but Gunn’s remarks certainly sparked a firestorm of controversy online.
James Gunn Views Superman As An “Immigrant Story” That Defines America
“Superman is the story of America,” Gunn observed in his interview with The Times. “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.“
Immigration is currently a political H๏τ topic in the United States (to say the least), and Gunn’s description of Superman as an immigrant brought the Man of Steel into the heart of that debate. Even more importantly, though, Gunn’s words also describe what he believes to be the American story – an immigrant story.
Given that’s the case, it’s no surprise Gunn – and, by extension, his Superman movie – have become controversial.
James Gunn Has Always Courted Political Controversy
It’s important to stress that Gunn is no stranger to political controversy, becoming an outspoken critic on social media during Donald Trump’s first term as president. This ultimately led to Gunn becoming a target of a right-wing campaign back in July 2018, when The Daily Caller unearthed offensive tweets he’d shared before working for Disney on Guardians of the Galaxy.
Disney fired Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, although that ironically led to his current position as co-head of DC Studios; Warner Bros. called Gunn days after Disney fired him. This context is important, because it means the current furor was already primed; Gunn’s critics already know what he stands for, and some were waiting, eager for controversy.
Gunn did eventually return for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Gunn Has Ignited A Debate That He Wishes He Could Dodge
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The discussion has been raging for two days now, even covered by Fox News. Gunn himself has tried to tread a careful balance, shifting the focus to the “kindness” point, but his brother Sean hasn’t been quite so reserved; “People who say no to immigrants are against the American Way,” he opined in an interview with Variety.
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Former Flash actor Grant Gustin weighed in on the Superman immigrant controversy, sharing J. Gonzo’s Superman-related image, which features text reading, “I cannot wait to watch an illegal alien absolutely ruin the plans of a billionaire.” It’s an on-the-nose reference to Lex Luthor, the Superman antagonist who was once president in the comics.
Superman Was Always An Immigrant
The whole debate seems more than a little absurd on the face of it, given Superman is literally the dictionary definition of an “illegal alien.” He arrived on Earth as a refugee from a doomed world, and his adopted parents must have literally faked his birth certificate. This isn’t a new idea; Smallville season 6 tackled it head-on back in 2006.
Even The Times‘ own article notes the Man of Steel’s history:
And before you say, “Superman has gone woke!” this is all in Superman’s lengthy history. Superman was written by men from immigrant families and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees once released a book in Italy тιтled Superman Was a Refugee Too. Less than ten years ago DC Comics backed World Refugee Day: “The Man of Steel’s story is the ultimate example of a refugee who makes his new home better.” In the edition of Action Comics No 987, Superman saves a group of undocumented workers from a violent racist.
The words “immigrant” and “refugee” have always carried emotional baggage. That’s even more the case now, in the second Trump presidency, and Gunn has waded into a fierce debate. He and his brother Sean see the story of America as an immigrant story, and believe Superman typifies this – the immigrant who devotes himself to the American Way. That perspective is now controversial.
The Times‘ original тιтle was perhaps accurate; “James Gunn: Some people will take offence at my new Superman.” We don’t yet know whether that’s the case or not; the movie hasn’t come out yet, although ScreenRant‘s Molly Freeman loved it. What we do know, though, is that some have certainly taken offense at Gunn’s Superman comments.
