James Gunn slammed for calling Superman an ‘immigrant’
“Superman” director and DC Studios co-head James Gunn is facing backlash for calling the Man of Steel “an immigrant that came from other places” in a new interview.
Ahead of the release of Warner Bros.’ superhero reboot on July 11, Gunn, 58, told The Sunday Times of London that “‘Superman’ is the story of America… An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country.”
The “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the director added: “But for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”
Clark Kent is, of course, not human. Named Kal-El, he’s an alien from planet Krypton who lands on Earth as a baby and is adopted by a couple in Smallville, Kansas.
In the new movie, the iconic red cape is donned by 32-year-old actor David Corenswet.
Gunn said that some audience members who watch the action movie through a political lens could have a negative reaction to it. Driving home that point, the Sunday Times’ headline is: “Some people will take offense at my new ‘Superman.’”
“Yes, it plays differently,” Gunn said. “But it’s about human kindness and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.”
Several media personalities bristled at Gunn’s remarks.
“He’s creating a moat of woke, enlightened opinion around him. He’s got a woke shield,” said Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld, with a graphic on the screen that read “Superwoke.”
Kellyanne Conway said, “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.”
The cast stood by Gunn’s interview on Monday’s red carpet in Los Angeles.
“My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about,” Sean Gunn, James Gunn’s brother who plays Maxwell Lord, told Variety.
“We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants and if you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”
Nathan Fillion, who plays the Green Lantern, put it more succinctly.
“Aw, somebody needs a hug,” the actor said. “Just a movie, guys.”
“Superman” hits theaters on July 11.