“Is Superman an Immigrant?” Director’s Remark Ignites Fierce U.S. Immigration Debate

The pro-administration FOX News called it a political film

The film Superman, starring David Corenswet (32), was released simultaneously in Japan and the U.S. on July 11. According to the U.S. box office site Box Office Mojo, by July 28, it had become a massive hit, earning over $500 million (approx. ¥74.5 billion) worldwide.

However, a major controversy has erupted in the U.S. over comments made by director James Gunn (58), who stated:

“Superman is an immigrant.”

In an interview with the British paper The Sunday Times on July 4, just before the film’s release, Gunn said:

“Superman is an American story — the story of an immigrant who came from somewhere else and made this country his home.”

He added that the film is also about:

“A fundamental human kindness,”

“a value we’ve lost as a nation.”

He further stated:

“Of course, there are people in the world who have no kindness in them, and some may feel uncomfortable with a story that portrays kindness. But to those people, I say: ‘Screw you.’”

These remarks were widely seen as a criticism of the harsh anti-immigration policies under the xenophobic Trump administration, and they drew strong backlash from conservative circles.

According to the digital edition of the New York Post, former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway criticized the film, saying:

“We don’t go to movie theaters to be preached to or to have ideology forced upon us.”

The pro-administration FOX News labeled the film Superwoke. While woke originally means being highly aware of social issues, in this context, it was used sarcastically to brand the film as a political movie. The term spread online as a critical label used by right-wing media against Superman following Gunn’s comments.

According to U.S. site TMZ, conservative actor Dean Cain, who once played Superman in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997), expressed concern:

“I had high hopes for the new film, but director Gunn has revealed his political vulnerability, which may end up alienating part of the fanbase.”

However, with the film’s subsequent massive success at the box office, Cain’s worries ultimately proved unfounded.

In the first place, Superman’s origins have been portrayed numerous times in films and other media. He was born on the dying planet Krypton and named Kal-El. As an infant, his parents sent him to Earth in a spaceship, where he was adopted by a couple in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas.

He grows up to live with dual identities — as a reporter for the Daily Planet and as Superman, who saves the Earth from peril.

An immigrant who embodies the best qualities of America

Superman was created in 1938 by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, first appearing in Action Comics #1. He has long been cherished as America’s national superhero, appearing in countless movies, TV shows, and animated works.

In this latest film, David Corenswet—known for movies like Pearl (2022) and Twisters (2024)—dons the iconic red cape.

Amid the controversy, U.S. outlet CNN (online edition) recently reported that longtime comic book fans and historians say director James Gunn’s comments do not impose a new story on a beloved hero.

Danny Fingeroth, an author who has written extensively about Superman, told CNN:

“The idea that Superman is an immigrant—or even a refugee—has always been part of the character from the beginning. It’s not something [Gunn] made up or is trying to force onto the story.”

He went on to say:

“Superman came to Earth, to America, assimilated, and became as American as mom, the flag, and apple pie.”

And added:

“Superman is an immigrant who, despite coming from somewhere else, embodies the best qualities of America.”

Fingeroth also pointed out that Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were the children of Jewish immigrants who had fled rising anti-Semitism in Europe. He told CNN:

“Given their background and sympathies, it’s always been important that Superman came from somewhere else.”

It’s a perspective that offers surprising insight.

In any case, if Superman is an immigrant filled with justice and love who respects global solidarity and protects America, perhaps it’s time to reconsider xenophobic immigration policies.