James Gunn’s new Superman film has sparked a major debate about politics and the themes behind its story.
The film follows Superman as he becomes involved in a conflict between two fictional countries, Boravia and Jarhanpur.
Some commentators have compared the storyline with the Israel-Palestine conflict. Others have rejected that interpretation.
The debate has also focused on Gunn’s comments about Superman as an immigrant.
Potential allusions to Israel-Palestine
The debate has also focused on Gunn’s comments about Superman as an immigrant.
James Gunn denies Israel-Palestine connection
Director James Gunn has denied that Boravia and Jarhanpur are references to Israel and Palestine.
Speaking to comicbook.com, Gunn said: “When I wrote this the Middle Eastern conflict wasn’t happening. So I tried to do little things to move it away from that, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the Middle East.”
The film’s script was submitted in May 2023, months before the October 7th attack on the Nova music festival and the escalation of violence in Gaza.
“When I wrote this the Middle Eastern conflict wasn’t happening.”
“So I tried to do little things to move it away from that, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the Middle East,” Gunn added.
“It’s an invasion by a much more powerful country run by a despot into a country that’s problematic in terms of its political history, but has totally no defense against the other country.”
“It really is fictional.”
Backlash to Gunn’s ‘immigrant’ comments
Gunn has also spoken openly about immigration as a theme in Superman.
Before the film’s release, he described Superman as an immigrant. His comments sparked criticism from some conservative commentators.
Gunn told The Times that Superman represents an immigrant who came from another place. He also linked the character to themes of kindness and empathy.
Some critics interpreted those comments as political. Others viewed them as part of Superman’s long-standing character history.
Fox News commentators criticised Gunn’s approach and described the film as “Superwoke.”
Former Superman actor Dean Cain also questioned the direction of the new film.
Cain asked, “How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?” He also called Gunn’s immigrant framing “a mistake.”
Gunn’s brother, Sean Gunn, defended the comments.
“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.”
The comments added another political layer to the discussion surrounding the film.
Immigration and the Superman mythos
This immigrant narrative has been central to the character’s lore.
Superman’s journey from the dying planet Krypton to Kansas has long been seen as a metaphor for the immigrant experience.
Creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were themselves children of European Jewish immigrants.
Modern depictions have moved away from emphasising American nationalism – Superman’s motto now reads “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow,” replacing the Cold War-era “American Way.”
Superman dominating the box office
Superman has been a smash hit at the box office, raking in $300 million globally since its wide release on the 11th of July.
The reboot is currently leading in the box office and is projected to continue its dominance, outpacing the new releases I Know What You Did Last Summer and Smurfs.
The film has been well received by critics and fans, boasting an 83% critic score and 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
David Corenswet’s debut as the Man of Steel has been widely praised, marking a fresh start for the character after mixed reactions to Henry Cavill’s earlier portrayals.
The film also serves as the official launch of the James Gunn-led DC Universe (DCU), with Superman acting as the launchpad for a new interconnected cinematic era for DC’s iconic heroes.
