The upcoming superman film from director James Gunn is generating significant buzz, but recent comments about the iconic hero’s origins have unexpectedly ignited a political firestorm. Gunn plainly stated what many longtime fans know: Superman is an immigrant story. This seemingly simple affirmation, rooted deeply in the character’s eight-decade history, has sparked intense debate, particularly among conservative and anti-immigrant voices, prompting the film’s cast and director to weigh in.
Understanding Superman’s immigrant origins is fundamental to the character. Before he was known as Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter from Smallville, Kansas, he was Kal-El, a native of the doomed planet Krypton. His parents, facing the imminent destruction of their world, made the ultimate sacrifice, sending their infant son to Earth in a small spacecraft. He arrived as a solitary refugee, found and raised by the kindly Kents. This narrative isn’t a modern retcon; it’s been the core of the character since his creation in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two creators who were themselves the sons of European Jewish immigrants. By any definition, his arrival on Earth makes him an immigrant, and his escape from a dying planet makes him a refugee. Some interpretations even humorously note his arrival could be deemed that of an “illegal alien” if strict border controls were applied to extraterrestrial arrivals.
Political Reactions to Superman’s Identity
James Gunn’s comments, made in an interview with The Sunday Times, where he called Superman “An immigrant that came from other places… mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value,” were met with swift and vocal criticism from certain political factions. Prominent voices associated with the far-right and the MAGA movement reacted strongly to any acknowledgment of Superman’s immigrant status, dismissing it as “woke Hollywood nonsense.”
These reactions often manifested as accusations that filmmakers were injecting political ideology into a beloved character. For example, former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway publicly stated her belief that audiences “don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.” Adding a dismissive and inflammatory twist, Fox News host Jesse Watters mockingly quipped about the hero, “You know what it says on his cape? MS13,” referencing a notorious gang in an apparent attempt to link the character’s immigrant status to criminality.
Even attempts at nuanced arguments from this perspective seemed to miss the established core of the narrative. Commentator Ben Shapiro acknowledged Superman is an immigrant but argued the story is primarily about “assimilation to American values.” However, this take overlooks the foundational “American values” Superman learns from the Kents in Smallville – values rooted in kindness, empathy, and embracing the outsider, which stand in direct contrast to the punitive treatment of immigrants or refugees. The small-town values instilled in Clark Kent are fundamentally about compassion, not about rejecting those who are different or arrived from elsewhere.
The Cast and Director Respond
At the Hollywood premiere for the new Superman film, director James Gunn and members of the cast were asked about the uproar surrounding the character’s immigrant origins and Gunn’s comments. Their responses ranged from lighthearted dismissal to pointed defense of the character’s established identity and the film’s themes.
James Gunn himself reportedly laughed when asked about the backlash. He offered a simple, unifying message regarding his film’s intent. He stated clearly that he believes the movie is made “for everyone.” He deliberately avoided engaging directly with the critics or judging their views, preferring to focus on the positive message he intended to convey. Gunn emphasized that at its heart, the film is “a movie about kindness,” a theme he felt was universally relatable, regardless of political stance. His response aimed to pivot the conversation away from political division and back towards the core human values the Superman story traditionally represents.
Sean Gunn, the director’s brother, who plays Maxwell Lord in the film, offered a more direct and unequivocal response when questioned on the red carpet. He found the backlash somewhat ironic, suggesting it highlighted the very issues the movie touches upon. Sean Gunn bluntly stated, “My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about.” He explicitly affirmed the film’s stance: “We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants.” He reinforced the point about the hero’s history, declaring, “Yes, Superman is an immigrant.” Taking his statement further, he connected support for immigrants to national identity, asserting, “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.”
Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, actor Nathan Fillion, who portrays Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) in the film, offered a quippy dismissal of the controversy. Reacting with a hearty laugh, Fillion suggested that those upset by the discussion about Superman’s background might simply be in need of emotional support. His lighthearted take was simply, “Aw, somebody needs a hug. It’s just a movie guys.” Fillion’s comment seemed designed to diffuse tension and remind audiences that the character is a fictional creation, albeit one with deep cultural resonance and a long-established backstory.
Analyzing the Enduring Debate
The fact that acknowledging Superman’s immigrant origins in 2025 can still provoke such strong political reactions highlights ongoing cultural tensions surrounding immigration and national identity. While some view this aspect of the character as a simple fact of his backstory and a potential metaphor for the American melting pot narrative, others see it as an unwelcome political statement or an attempt to portray the hero through a lens they disagree with.
The debate often seems to stem from differing interpretations of what constitutes “American values” and who belongs in that narrative. For James Gunn and the cast, as articulated by Sean Gunn, supporting immigrants is inherently aligned with the “American way” and the kindness Superman embodies. For critics like Ben Shapiro, the focus is on assimilation, suggesting a conditionality to belonging that contrasts with the unconditional love and acceptance shown by the Kents. The creators’ own background as sons of immigrants adds another layer to this discussion, suggesting that the theme was implicitly woven into the character from the very beginning.
Ultimately, the controversy underscores how fictional narratives, especially those involving universally recognized figures like Superman, can become battlegrounds for real-world political and social debates. While the filmmakers maintain their focus is on storytelling and universal themes like kindness, the character’s unique origins continue to serve as a potent, and sometimes contentious, symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superman’s immigrant origin story?
Superman, whose birth name was Kal-El, originated on the planet Krypton. Before its destruction, his parents placed him in a spacecraft and sent him to Earth. He was discovered and raised by human foster parents, the Kents, in Smallville, Kansas, essentially making him a refugee immigrant who arrived from another world.
Where did the discussion around Superman’s immigrant origins begin?
Recent public discussion was sparked by comments made by director James Gunn in an interview with The Sunday Times, where he explicitly referred to Superman as an immigrant. This prompted reactions from political figures and commentators, leading to questions posed to the cast and director at the film’s Hollywood premiere.
How did the Superman cast and director respond to the backlash over his origins?
Director James Gunn laughed off questions, focusing on the film’s message of kindness. Actor Nathan Fillion also reacted with humor. Sean Gunn, another cast member and James Gunn’s brother, offered a blunt defense, stating that Superman is indeed an immigrant and suggesting that opposing immigrants goes “against the American way.”
