Superman as an Immigrant: How the Latest Film Sparked a MAGA Backlash and What It Means for Our Heroes

The new “Superman” film is stirring up conversations. Director James Gunn recently called Superman’s journey an immigrant’s tale, pointing to his move from Krypton to Kansas. This comment drew quick criticism from some right-wing commentators, with Fox News dubbing it “Superwoke.”

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Gunn said the film reflects “the story of America” and highlights the importance of kindness. Critics quickly reacted. Kellyanne Conway remarked that people don’t want to feel lectured while watching movies. Others mocked the film, with Fox News host Jesse Watters making jokes likening Superman to gang affiliations and questioning his origins.

Prominent voices in media, like Ben Shapiro and Tim Pool, joined in on the criticism, claiming the film’s messaging veers into politics rather than staying true to the character. Shapiro argued that Superman, an immigrant himself, should embody American values instead of being portrayed as an outsider. Critics have been vocal on social media, making “Superman” the latest target in the culture wars.

With this backlash, the film’s cast and crew have remained relatively calm. Gunn stated that he simply aims to spread kindness through the movie. Actor David Corenswet, who plays Superman, echoed this sentiment, urging people to “be kind to each other.”

Superman’s immigrant story isn’t new. Scholars have often viewed it as a metaphor for the immigrant experience, especially considering its creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were children of Jewish immigrants. In fact, Superman’s birth name, Kal-El, contains echoes of Hebrew meaning. The narrative parallels with stories like that of Moses, reinforcing the theme of hope and new beginnings. Frank Miller, a renowned comic artist, has even called Superman the “ultimate immigrant,” illustrating his meaningful journey within American ideals.

Interestingly, amid debates on its themes, the film is performing well at the box office. Early estimates suggest that “Superman” could earn between $90 million and $120 million in its opening weekend, potentially outpacing earlier summer hits.

As critics weigh in, many early reactions have been positive. Joseph Deckelmeier from Screenrant highlighted that the film encapsulates the classic Superman charm, while Germain Lussier of Gizmodo called it a “non-stop joyride.”

In a world where movies often spark intense discussions about societal values, “Superman” has opened up a dialogue that extends beyond the screen. Whether viewers embrace or reject its themes, the film certainly adds to the complex tapestry of modern storytelling.

For further insights on the history of Superman and its cultural implications, consider reading ‘Superman’ First Reactions on Variety.

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