In the new cinematic appearance of Superman, portrayed brilliantly by David Corenswet, we’re reminded that not even the powerful Superman is immune to the sting of cultural disputes.
During an extensive marketing effort and worldwide promotional tour, director James Gunn, who was also the scriptwriter, enthusiastically represented the movie alongside the main cast members.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Gunn shared his main creative direction for the upcoming film: “Superman symbolizes America. A foreigner who settled in this land, but to me, it’s primarily a tale that emphasizes the importance of basic human compassion, which seems to be a value we have overlooked.
To many fans who admire Superman, Gunn’s remark could serve as a reassuring and comforting indication that he fully understands the subject matter and is handling an American symbol with the proper consideration and attention it deserves.
Yet, referring to ‘the I-word’ concerning Superman, as Gunn did, was seen as a serious indicator of political bias and, even more troubling for Dean Cain, the ominous presence of ‘wokeness’ in the film.
As a passionate movie buff reflecting on the iconic role of Superman, I can’t help but remember the captivating portrayal by Dean Cain in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. During his tenure from 1993-1997, he was somewhat resistant to the idea of Superman’s immigrant background being emphasized in future films – “Superman is an immigrant? He’s a freaking alien!” However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the profound significance that this aspect holds for the character.
As a passionate cinephile, I wholeheartedly agree with author Tom DeHaven’s perspective in his book Our Hero – Superman on Earth: “Superman, being an immigrant, instantly and automatically earns American credibility. However, he’s not just any immigrant; he embodies the ultimate immigrant spirit. He stands as the Patron Saint of all immigrants.
Instead of merely traversing landscapes and countries, seas and boundaries on Earth, Superman actually journeyed across the entire cosmos to reach this point!
One significant factor that played a crucial role in the origin of the character was present during the 1930s. Superman’s young creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were the offspring of European Jews who had immigrated to America in search of a brighter and more affluent future.
According to author Glen Weldon, transforming Superman into both an immigrant and an orphan brought a profound emotional depth to the character, something that was missing in the other action heroes prevalent during that time.
Essentially, Weldon’s perspective is that Superman was transformed into the epitome of an American. This transformation took place as he journeyed from the doomed planet Krypton to the peaceful landscapes of Kansas. In this transition, Superman effectively sailed to a new horizon, using his past as a source of propulsion.
He was now beyond the reach of the old world, free to carve out a unique journey for himself – a symbol of an aspiration shared by countless others.
Therefore, it’s common to find Superman’s loyalty towards his adopted homeland highlighted in different representations of the character, as this is what viewers generally anticipate.
In the iconic 1978 movie directed by Richard Donner, Christopher Reeve’s character, Superman, declares with absolute sincerity, “I’ve come to defend truth, fairness, and the principles that make America great.
It’s a bit disappointing to learn that Cain, who was an impactful and enduring temporary caretaker of the character three decades back, now views this fundamental element of Superman as potentially problematic.
Despite its small screen constraints and quirky nature, Cain’s portrayal of Superman remained grounded in tradition. Notably, during its last season, the show tackled immigration themes, reinforcing Superman’s strong American identity as pointed out by numerous critics.
If Cain had anticipated Gunn’s movie to contain an overt, heavy-handed, awkward portrayal advocating for immigration, he must have been let down. However, after watching the movie twice, it’s clear that Gunn subtly and effectively incorporates this theme into his film.
In my eagerness to sow seeds of doubt about this fresh cinematic venture, Cain might have overlooked the unspoken agreement that binds Superman and those who care for his legend – be they authors, artists, or performers. As Grant Morrison, a renowned Scottish comics writer, elegantly put it in Supergods: “Through countless interpretations, something enduring remains, something that is forever Superman.
In other words: let Superman be Superman.
Save up to 30% on the latest releases at Vue in 2025
As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel excited about the current crop of movies gracing our screens! Movies like “Wicked”, “Nosferatu”, “The Brutalist”, and even the much-anticipated sequel to “Moana” are creating quite a stir in UK cinemas, leaving moviegoers spellbound and eager for more.
Save up to 30% with Vue Pass
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Microsoft has a new way to use AI in OneNote — but a “dumb” feature excites me more
- xAI’s $300/month Grok 4, billed as a “maximally truth-seeking AI” — seemingly solicits Elon Musk’s opinion on controversial topics
- Tokyo Game Show 2025 exhibitors list and main visual announced
- Bill Gates says AI will replace humans for most things — but coding will remain “a 100% human profession” centuries later
- Anime’s Greatest Summer 2024 Shonen Hit Drops New Look Ahead of Season 2
- Jeffrey Epstein’s “Client List” Doesn’t Exist, Justice Department Says
- Narcos: Mexico’s Manuel Masalva Details Being “Reborn” After Coma
- Why Stephen Baldwin Is “Blessed” By Justin & Hailey Bieber’s Marriage
- Twilight Director Details “Earth-Shattering” Lesson From the Movie
2025-07-18 16:34