James Gunn Defends Superman’s Immigrant Narrative Amid 'Superwoke' Controversy

To him, Superman isn’t just an alien from Krypton; he’s the embodiment of the American immigrant dream. “Superman is the story of America,” Gunn told The Times. “An immigrant who came from other places and populated the country. But for me, it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.” That’s not just a political stance, it’s a historical fact. 

Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the sons of Jewish immigrants, during a time of global upheaval. Their superhero, rocketed from a dying planet and raised in Kansas, was always meant to represent a refugee child who grows up with strong Midwestern values and uses his power to protect others. In 2018, DC Comics even used Superman to promote World Refugee Day.

It confirmed what many readers already understood: this caped icon is, and always has been, a symbol of displacement, hope, and belonging. Yet, Gunn knows full well that in today’s polarized political landscape, leaning into Superman’s immigrant origin might stir controversy. This is particularly influenced by policies like Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdowns. 

However, the filmmaker isn’t backing down. “Obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness,” he said. “But screw them.” It’s a powerful sentiment, especially in a time when superhero films often play it safe. Gunn, however, is taking the opposite approach. 

David Corenswet Didn’t Believe He Could Become Superman

While James Gunn was focused on delivering a Superman with a soul, the actor bringing him to life, David Corenswet, was having a very human experience of his own. It’s filled with disbelief, awkward phone calls, and the weight of cinematic history. In a recent interview with GQ, Corenswet candidly shared how playing Superman never even crossed his mind as a realistic ambition. 

“I never wanted to play Superman because I didn’t think it was an achievable goal,” he admitted. “One day, I was in my home, fixing a light bulb, when I got the call from my agent. He said, ‘Well, David, I’m sure you know what this call is about,’ and I said, ‘What am I supposed to be waiting for, Top Gun 3? Just talk fast, I’m on a ladder.” The audition, he learned, wasn’t a golden invitation. 

“I’m not special,” his agent told him. “Send in your tape like everyone else. And don’t f--- it up.” That honesty seems to have kept Corenswet grounded throughout the process. He ended up auditioning with one of the most iconic scenes (the interview between Clark Kent and Lois Lane) and even performed the same scene for his screen test.

That test was done in Henry Cavill’s Superman suit. “That’s the moment when you are stepping into something iconic,” Corenswet said. “We saw the first Christopher Reeve’s Superman, then Superman Returns, and Man of Steel. I wanted to know what already exists, and what I could bring that’s new.” And when Gunn finally called him to deliver the news, Corenswet initially didn’t believe it.

“I told him to prove he was really James Gunn,” the actor laughed. “He told me I got the role, and the next thing he said was, ‘Get a trainer. Work on your shoulders… and your vulnerability.’ Which I thought was really funny.” All in all, what makes this version of Superman feel so urgent isn’t just the action or the villains, it’s the message. Moreover, it’s clear that this Superman isn’t afraid to be political.