‘Superman’ Director, James Gunn, Responds To Backlash After Claiming New Movie Is An Immigrant Story: “This Movie Is For Everybody”

Politics have even infiltrated the great, invincible Superman.

The DC Comic Book Universe is getting a reboot when Superman hits theaters on July 11. It’s the first movie in what is being hailed as the “James Gunn Era” of DC. You might be familiar with that name, since he directed a couple of stellar Marvel movies… most notably the entire Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.

DC snatched him away from Marvel though, and he’s now the Co-CEO of DC Studios.

And in his first act as co-CEO, he directed the newest rendition of one of the oldest and most beloved superheroes in the world: Superman. Starring David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the comic book story looks to be headed in a bright new direction. It’s expected to be a summer blockbuster hit… or at least it was before director James Gunn compared his new film to politics and immigration in a recent interview:

“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.”

While I understand where James Gunn is coming from there, and Superman is technically from another planet, we’ve seen a lot of examples recently of film’s being burdened by words an actor or director has said just before its release. Captain America: Brave New World underperformed at the box office after star Anthony Mackie said Captain America doesn’t represent America.

And do I even have to rehash the whole Snow White thing? No? Okay, good deal.

Director James Gunn insisted in the interview that it’s not a beat-your-head-in-with-politics type of message. Instead, he set out to make a film that showcases the power of caring for others and having human decency… and he’s very aware of how that will come off to some people:

“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. Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level it’s about morality.”

But I bet you are wondering how people online are taking that news, eh?

Well, if you thought that some would be upset about politicizing Superman – even in the slightest – you’d be right on the money. Much like the other movies that I just mentioned, a multitude of movie fans are saying they are going to skip out on seeing the new Superman because of James Gunn’s comments on it’s immigrant and political themes:

Then I guess I’m out. I go to movies for escapism not political messages from the left.

— Tim Tribbett DVM (@tntDVM) July 6, 2025

How to lose $200M in 30 words or less.

— Tom Greene/Wit & Wisdom (@tomgreenewrites) July 6, 2025

Good to know! I’m glad you shared this before I bought a ticket.

— David Gaw (@davidgaw) July 6, 2025

Now, with only a couple of days before the world premiere of Superman – which is really acting as DC Studios hitting the reboot button on all of their franchises – everyone involved with the film is sticking to their guns (no pun intended) and not back tracking in the face of backlash.

Director James Gunn was asked about it at the premiere of the movie, and he responded with this statement, almost not willing to engage with the reporter who was seemingly fishing for a middle finger to the MAGA crowd:

“I think this movie is for everybody. I don’t have anything to say to anybody. I’m not here to judge people, you know? I think this movie is about kindness, and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”

Other actors attached to the film, like Nathan Fillion, that were asked about the movie downplayed the “MAGA backlash” to James Gunn’s comments. The man playing the Green Lantern in the film shot down the controversy by saying this:

“Somebody needs a hug. It’s just a movie guys.”

And James Gunn’s brother, Sean, who has a role in the new Superman film, took a little bit stronger stand against people upset and irate with the Co-CEO of DC Studios calling Superman an immigrant:

“It’s exactly what the movie is about. We support our people. We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant… People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”

Of course, Sean doesn’t make the distinction between legal and illegal immigration. The vast majority of Americans support legal immigration and a good chunk support even making it easier and more efficient to enter the United States legally. But a majority also are opposed to illegal immigration, and many support deporting illegal immigrants, especially those who have committed crimes. So while understanding the majority position of the American people isn’t that complicated, there is a bit a nuance there, and Sean certainly seems to be painting with a pretty broad brush.

I guess only time will tell how it performs at the box office…

The post ‘Superman’ Director, James Gunn, Responds To Backlash After Claiming New Movie Is An Immigrant Story: “This Movie Is For Everybody” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.