The team behind “Superman” is responding to the backlash after director James Gunn said the DC tentpole is the story of “an immigrant that came from other places.”
When asked about the reaction to his comments, James Gunn explained that the movie is for “everyone” and that he doesn’t have “anything to say to anybody” spreading negativity around “Superman.”
“I’m not here to judge people,” he told Variety at Monday night’s “Superman” premiere at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre. “I think this is a movie about kindness and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner, aka Green Lantern, laughed off the negativity and kept his response brief.
“Aw, somebody needs a hug,” Fillion said. “Just a movie, guys.”
Sean Gunn, who plays Maxwell Lord in the film, stood up for his brother and emphasized that immigrants are integral to the fabric of America.
“My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about,” he said. “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.”
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
James Gunn made waves with his Sunday profile in The Times of London after he explained some of the themes and ideals embedded in “Superman.” He said that the film encompassed “the story of America,” and on a fundamental level, is about a man looking for a new life away from his homeland.
“I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America,” James Gunn said. “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 quote enflamed backlash from commentators online and drew the attention of conservative media outlets like Fox News, which deemed “Superman” “Superwoke.” Network anchor Kellyanne Conway said of the film, “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.” Jesse Watters added, “You know what it says on his cape? MS13.”