Superman Film Frames Hero as Immigrant, Sparks Controversy

James Gunn's new Superman film reimagines the iconic superhero as an immigrant, emphasizing themes of human kindness and the immigrant experience as central to the story. Gunn and actor Sean Gunn have openly framed the movie as a pro-immigrant narrative, with Sean stating that those who oppose this message are "not American." This interpretation aligns with Superman's origin as an alien sent to Earth who embodies American ideals, a perspective that has historical roots in the character's creation by Jewish immigrant creators and previous acknowledgments of Superman as a refugee figure. However, this political framing has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the film of pushing a 'woke' agenda and conflating legal immigration with illegal immigration amidst ongoing U.S. border enforcement debates. Despite mixed early reviews, the filmmakers maintain that the movie's message of kindness is universal and intended for all audiences. The film also serves as a reboot of the Superman franchise, introducing David Corenswet as the new Superman and aiming to launch a new cinematic universe for DC Studios.