The latest film adaptation of Superman has ignited a heated debate regarding the character’s identity as an immigrant. Director James Gunn recently stated, “Superman is the story of America,” emphasizing that the superhero’s narrative reflects the journey of immigrants and the importance of basic human kindness. His comments, made in an interview with The Times of London, have drawn significant backlash, particularly from right-wing commentators amid heightened immigration discussions in the United States.
Critics, including former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, condemned the film as “Superwoke,” suggesting that audiences visit theaters for entertainment rather than ideological lectures. Actor Dean Cain, known for his role in *Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman*, echoed these sentiments, questioning whether Gunn’s portrayal would alienate viewers. Despite the controversy, the film, released by Warner Brothers Discovery, achieved remarkable success, grossing $122 million in its opening weekend and maintaining strong box office performance.
Historical context reveals that the notion of Superman as an immigrant has been integral to the character since his inception. Comic book historian Danny Fingeroth noted that Superman’s origin as a refugee from the doomed planet Krypton was established in the very first story published in 1938. “It makes him not an immigrant of choice. It makes him an immigrant of necessity…a refugee,” Fingeroth explained. He highlighted that Superman embodies the struggles and triumphs of those who seek a new life in America, representing the core values of the nation.
The creators of Superman, artist Joe Shuster and writer Jerry Siegel, were themselves children of Jewish immigrants fleeing antisemitism in Europe. Their backgrounds influenced the character’s narrative, which resonated with the challenges faced by many during the rise of fascism in Europe. Fingeroth stated, “Superman’s early adventures involved fighting for the little guy, fighting against corrupt politicians.” This historical lens adds depth to Gunn’s comments, suggesting that the character’s immigrant status is not a recent addition but a foundational element of his story.
Advocacy groups and academics have long recognized Superman’s immigrant identity. More than a decade ago, comic book historian Craig This organized a panel at Wright State University, discussing the immigrant backgrounds of superheroes like Superman and Wonder Woman. He remarked that students often saw these characters as role models, inspiring them to embrace their differences as strengths.
In 2013, the organizations Define American and the Harry Potter Alliance launched a campaign encouraging individuals to share their immigration stories using the hashtag #SupermanIsAnImmigrant. Recently, the campaign’s founders defended Gunn against accusations of politicizing the character. “You can’t politicize the truth,” stated Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas. As a former undocumented immigrant, Vargas emphasized the current relevance of Superman’s story, stating that this film has sparked conversations about immigration among diverse audiences.
While Superman’s immigrant status has been a consistent aspect of his narrative, not all adaptations emphasize this element. Fingeroth noted that in some versions, the character’s background is less pronounced, allowing for various interpretations over the decades. Each iteration of Superman reflects changing societal contexts and audience perceptions, demonstrating the character’s adaptability and enduring appeal across generations.
Superheroes often resonate with a wide range of audiences due to their outsider status, and this universality contributes to their lasting popularity. Fingeroth pointed out that the themes and origins of these characters connect with various aspects of the human experience, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to find meaning in their stories.
The recent discussions around Superman’s identity have extended beyond entertainment, even reaching the political arena. The White House’s social media accounts shared an AI-generated image featuring President Trump in a Superman pose, illustrating the broader implications of the superhero’s narrative in contemporary society. In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security referenced the beloved character E.T. in a campaign aimed at undocumented immigrants, showcasing the complexities of immigration discourse in America today.
As debates continue regarding the portrayal of Superman and the significance of his immigrant identity, it remains clear that this character embodies values that resonate with many. The discussions sparked by Gunn’s comments are likely to persist, reflecting the ongoing conversation about identity, belonging, and the American experience.
