Ahead of the Superman premiere, James Gunn made headlines in The Sunday Times for saying his Superman movie is “about politics.”
Gunn explained Superman’s core is about kindness and immigration, calling the character “an immigrant that came from other places” and “the story of America.”
Gunn acknowledged political divisions, noting, “Obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive… but screw them.”
Gunn also described the film as balancing morality and fun, mentioning Krypto the Superdog’s appearance: “Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level, it’s about morality.”
Variety Tries to Spark Controversy at Superman Premiere
At the Superman premiere in Hollywood on Monday, Variety, which called Gunn’s movie silly and then edited and removed the remark, tried to stir controversy by repeatedly asking Gunn, Nathan Fillion, and Sean Gunn about MAGA backlash over the immigrant comments.
The outlet framed the questions around “outrage” from the political right, suggesting the remarks had ignited some major culture war flashpoint. The interviewer also relished in the questioning.
Cast Shuts It Down
James Gunn didn’t fall for the bait and kept it simple: “I think this movie is for everybody… I’m not here to judge people… I think this is a movie about kindness and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
James Gunn responds to MAGA backlash over calling #Superman an immigrant: "I think this movie is about kindness, which everyone can relate to." pic.twitter.com/kUdzJleUsT
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
Nathan Fillion brushed it off: “Aw, somebody needs a hug. Just a movie, guys.”
Nathan Fillion on MAGA backlash to James Gunn calling Superman an immigrant: "Somebody needs a hug. It's just a movie guys." pic.twitter.com/MzVNZMKZ72
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
Sean Gunn responded more directly, saying Superman’s immigrant roots are exactly what the story’s about.
“We support our people. We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant. Yes, the people we support in this country are immigrants,” said Gunn. “If you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way are against what the American dream is all about.”
Sean Gunn on the MAGA backlash to Superman being called an immigrant: "People who say no to immigrants are against the American way." pic.twitter.com/XgivaD34PE
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
Is James Gunn’s Superman woke?
It has been said that James Gunn’s new take on the Man of Steel includes references that might be looked at as questionable, possibly subtle references to political themes, but it has yet to be said that James Gunn’s Superman is straight out woke.
Amazon screenings start tomorrow, so we’ll know then.
Release info
James Gunn’s Superman flies into theaters on July 11th.
The film stars David Corenswet as Superman and Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The supporting cast includes Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell.
