Former Superman Lashes Out Against James Gunn’s “Woke” DCU Movie

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Dean Cain, who played Clark Kent in the ’90s TV series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” has spoken out against the creative approach of James Gunn’s new DC Universe movie, “Superman.” In a conversation with TMZ, Cain expressed his disapproval of Gunn’s characterization of the film as primarily focusing on Superman’s immigrant background. This criticism follows Cain’s earlier complaints about Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” upon its release. Cain suggests that this focus on social issues is a manifestation of Hollywood trying to impose a progressive perspective onto classic characters, which he refers to as pushing a “woke” agenda.

Cain emphasized that America is very welcoming towards immigrants, but there are guidelines to follow. You can’t demand that America discard all its rules to resemble Somalia, as you chose to leave Somalia for a reason. There must be boundaries, because if we let everyone into the United States, our society will collapse. Therefore, there need to be restrictions.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been pondering Gunn’s recent statements, which seem to echo a broader concern in Hollywood that transcends his latest project. The question on everyone’s lips seems to be: “How far will Hollywood go in redefining established characters to fit contemporary sensibilities? How drastically will Disney modify Snow White? Why are they altering these timeless figures to suit the times?

In the interview, Cain conceded the character’s extraterrestrial background but disagreed with linking Superman to contemporary debates about immigration. During the conversation, Cain asserted that such comments were an “oversight” and warned they might negatively impact the film’s box office performance. This stance from Cain contrasts with the filmmakers’ viewpoints, including Sean Gunn, who defended the immigrant focus by saying, “We cherish immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, those we support in this nation are immigrants. If you don’t approve of that, then you’re not a true American.

Superman and the “American Way”

Cain’s emphasis on “The American Way” draws from one of Superman’s most lasting themes: “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.” Although this phrase didn’t originate from the initial comics, it gained popularity through the radio show Adventures of Superman in the 1940s during World War II. Its significance was further cemented in the 1950s TV show, serving as a patriotic rallying cry to support America during the Cold War. In both cases, the motto portrayed Superman as an embodiment of American ideals during times of significant global tension. Over time, it became deeply connected with the character, even though it reflected a nationalistic view of his mission.

While the patriotic aspect of Superman’s character is frequently emphasized, it is essential to remember the deeply personal narrative at its core. The creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who were themselves children of Jewish immigrants, crafted Superman’s origin as a powerful allegory for their immigrant experience. Kal-El, the Man of Steel, embodies the story of a refugee, sent away from a dying planet by his parents in search of safety and a new home. In this new world, he grapples with assimilation while preserving his unique heritage. As an outsider, he chooses to employ his immense power for the protection of the world that welcomed him, despite his difference.

The story of Superman has been used by different writers to explore what it means to embody “the American way.” Recently, DC Comics has worked to move the character away from a strictly nationalistic identity. The motto for the character was changed in the comics to “Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow,” which is meant to make the hero more relatable on a global scale and less tied to specific political ideologies. Gunn’s decision to focus on Superman as an immigrant reflects one of the character’s core themes and emphasizes his humanity and kindness towards others, which are key qualities of the hero. This approach is not a reimagining of the character but rather a return to one of its most fundamental aspects.

The cinematic adventure through the DC Universe commences as Superman soars onto the big screen on July 11th.

How about Dean Cain’s viewpoints regarding Superman’s immigrant tale, and the attention it has received? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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2025-07-10 11:10