James Gunn says that Superman is an immigrant story about “America” and “human kindness.”
The wait for Superman is nearly over, as the DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures movie finally releases in United States theaters this coming weekend. Written and directed by Gunn, the movie stars David Corenswet as the titular superhero, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
What did James Gunn say about Superman being an immigrant story?
Speaking with The Times U.K. about the DCU movie, Gunn said, “Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level it’s about morality. Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”
Regarding the political aspect to it, Gunn explained, “I mean, 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.”
When asked if he thinks the movie will be received differently in red states versus blue states, Gunn said, “Yes, it plays differently. But it’s about human kindness and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.”
Gunn’s comments are true to the nature of Superman in DC Comics, as the character is often considered to be an allegory for immigrants, given that Kal-El comes from another planet before he lands in the United States. He then has to maintain a secret identity that is tied to his origins, while also having to deal with some misguided people’s outrage about his presence in America.
Superman hits theaters and IMAX on July 11, 2025.
Originally reported by Brandon Schreur at SuperHeroHype.