By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the director’s comments regarding the film “Superman” being about an immigrant, the team has responded to the ensuing backlash. James Gunn emphasized the film’s message of kindness and inclusivity for all viewers. Sean Gunn defended his brother, highlighting the importance of immigrants in America, asserting that the film aligns with American values. This response was in contrast to conservative media outlets’ criticism of the film, labeling it as “Superwoke” and criticizing the film’s messaging.
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James Gunn Confronts MAGA Outrage Over Saying Superman Is an Immigrant
The revelation that Superman is an immigrant, as pointed out by James Gunn, has ignited a predictable firestorm of outrage, particularly within the MAGA community. It’s a response that, frankly, seems almost pre-scripted at this point. You get the feeling it’s less about genuine surprise and more about a performative display of indignation, a chance to flex familiar muscles of disapproval.
Superman, after all, crash-landed on Earth from another planet, was raised by adoptive parents, and has always been an allegory for the immigrant experience. This is not a new concept; it’s baked into the very fabric of the character’s history. His entire existence is a testament to the values of acceptance, assimilation, and the pursuit of the “American Way,” or rather, the “Human Way” in general. It’s a story about finding a home, embracing new cultures, and fighting for the vulnerable.
Yet, here we are, once again, with the familiar refrain of outrage. The fact that Superman doesn’t have U.S. citizenship papers, is an “illegal alien” in their view, or even that he doesn’t look like their image of a perfect American triggers a reaction. They seem to miss the fundamental point: that the very core of Superman’s heroism stems from his outsider status.
The irony is almost too rich to bear. The very folks who are supposed to be the ones defending the American way are getting triggered by the ultimate American symbol. They see an alien with superpowers as some sort of threat, overlooking the centuries of immigrant narratives that have shaped the U.S.
The complaints often range from the absurd to the offensive, with commentators like Jesse Watters of Fox News sarcastically adding “MS13” to Superman’s cape. This displays a lack of even basic comprehension and a willingness to deploy whatever divisive language they can find. It’s the same playbook, the same tactics, the same people getting upset over the same things.
One thing is certain: there’s a clear pattern emerging. If a movie or a story doesn’t echo their narrow political worldview, they’re ready to write it off, dismissing it as “woke” or “lecturing.” They seem to crave a fantasy world where everything conforms to their specific beliefs. This is really the problem. They don’t seem to grasp the idea that different people have different views and different experiences.
Gunn himself hit the nail on the head. The story of Superman, in his view, boils down to basic human kindness being a value. That, in turn, is something that they have lost. This is where the disconnect lies, a fundamental clash of values that will probably never be reconciled. They just aren’t interested in empathy.
Ultimately, the outrage over Superman being an immigrant is a revealing glimpse into the mindset of a particular segment of society. It’s a resistance to embracing the ideals that Superman embodies: the idea that everyone, regardless of their origin, deserves a chance to belong.
This whole situation has become predictable. It’s a testament to how deeply ingrained these biases are and how easily they’re triggered. Their reaction highlights the extent to which they’ve taken to the role of being the constant victim. It’s a lot easier to feign offense than to reflect, and it’s easier to hate a fictional character than it is to confront the uncomfortable realities of the world.
What’s more, this reaction is also rooted in a profound lack of understanding of Superman’s history and purpose. They want a hero who aligns with their own ideology, rather than one who challenges it. They seem to want Homelander instead.
The fact that Superman was created by two Jewish immigrants only adds to their discomfort. Perhaps they’d be happier if the hero was Aryan and fought for their cause? It is more likely they’ll just keep getting offended.
It’s a constant cycle of manufactured outrage, fueled by a desire to remain angry. But as long as Superman continues to stand for hope, justice, and the “American Way,” he will remain a powerful symbol for everyone.