In what comes as no surprise, James Gunn’s Superman ditches the classic and traditional motto of the Man of Steel, replacing “The American Way” with the more politically correct “the human way.”
The phrase “truth, justice, and the American way” was first popularized during the 1940s in the Adventures of Superman radio show. It became iconic with the 1950s Superman TV series starring George Reeves. It’s long time been associated with the Man of Steel. However, similar to Gunn, Bryan Singer also dropped the line in the 2006 Superman Returns movie.
Superman Now Fights for “The Human Way”
Official Superman movie merchandise featuring David Corenswet as Superman features a description on the box that replaces “The American way” with “the human way”:
Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.
Worth a mention is that James Gunn has previously said he approves all the toys and such, so this likely comes straight from Gunn, which lines up with the reports that Gunn’s Superman movie is more of a take on modern politics than a superhero story.
Political Jabs, Course Corrections, and Fan Backlash Concerns
Footage also features Superman getting mad at Lois Lane when she calls him out for getting involved in politics. Of course, the trailers also feature Americans mad and upset and throwing cans at Superman’s head.
Reports claim Gunn has laced Superman with political jabs, including Lex’s mutant troll monkey army meant to outrage lowly humans, a storyline involving fake news, and even jokes mocking the Snyder Cut.
What remains to be seen is how much of it makes its way into the final cut. A recent report has said Gunn’s Superman has undergone a course correction.
A lot is said to be riding on the movie for Warner Bros., so why would they want to piss off more than half their audience? How’d it work out for Star Wars and Marvel?
Superman flies into theaters on July 11.
