Superman star Sean Gunn has caused further anguish among conservative film fans after saying critics are “not American” following their objections to director James Gunn’s claims about the “immigrant” superhero.
The film’s director faced backlash after describing his upcoming Superman film as an “immigrant” story. In the States, Fox News labelled the movie “Superwoke” and supporters of Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again movement criticised his interpretation of the iconic superhero.
The controversy erupted following James Gunn’s interview with The Sunday Times, where he characterised Superman as “an immigrant that came from other places” whilst discussing the film’s themes.
In his Sunday profile, he claimed that Superman represents “the story of America”, explaining: “(He’s) an immigrant that 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.”
The director acknowledged the film addresses both politics and morality, noting he expects some people to take offence.
“Yes, it plays differently,” James 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.”
He added that the film explores moral questions through Superman and Lois Lane’s differing beliefs about killing.
As if James Gunn’s comments weren’t enough to anger film fans who wanted to keep politics out of the franchise, his brother and actor Sean Gunn added fuel to the fire at Monday’s Hollywood premiere.
The actor, who plays Maxwell Lord in the movie, delivered a stronger defence of his brother. “My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about,” he said to 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.”
Meanwhile, James Gunn responded to the criticism by telling the publication: “I’m not here to judge people. I think this is a movie about kindness, and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
And Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, offered a brief response: “Aw, somebody needs a hug. Just a movie, guys.”
Clips from Monday’s premiere have since circulated online, and it’s safe to say film fans who criticised the politicisation of the movie were less than impressed to be described as “not American” for opposing the Gunns’ stances.
“I was excited. Now I’m out,” one X user raged in response to a clip of Sean Gunn on the red carpet. “Even if the movie doesn’t play out that way, Gunn ruined it for me. I just don’t understand. Top Gun 2 got it right. F1 got it right. No one wants political wokeism jammed down their throats at the movies.”
“They’re doing a great job convincing me to NOT want to watch this movie. Snow White disaster all over again,” a second predicted before a third sarcastically echoed: “That’s it. That’s how I like my politics, with a big steaming, heaping pile of fantasy movie.”
“Can’t it just be a comic book movie about a literal alien from another planet? Why does everything have to be political?” a fourth questioned, while a fifth X user weighed in: “So it’s more woke that no one will want to watch.” (sic)
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Sean Gunn on the MAGA backlash to Superman being called an immigrant: “People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.” pic.twitter.com/XgivaD34PE
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
The story of Superman has long been viewed as an allegory for immigrants, with the character’s creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, being children of Jewish immigrants.
DC Comics has previously acknowledged the Man of Steel as a “refugee” in official materials.
Fans supporting Gunn’s interpretation have hit back at the backlash and circulated a restored 1950s poster showing Superman speaking to schoolchildren about respecting diversity.
The poster reads: “And remember, boys and girls, your school – like our country – is made up of Americans of many different races, religions and national origins. So, if YOU hear anybody talk against a schoolmate or anyone else because of his religion, race or national origin – don’t wait: tell them THAT KIND OF TALK IS UN-AMERICAN.”