The upcoming Superman film has stirred debate online after director James Gunn discussed the immigrant roots of the iconic superhero. With the movie set to release on July 11, 2025, audiences are now reacting to Gunn’s recent interview in which he said that the Man of Steel is, and always has been, an immigrant, reflecting a core theme in his upcoming film.The statement has sparked a range of reactions across social media, with some fans accusing the film of pushing political commentary, while others defended the characterization as accurate and long-established. In an interview with The Times, published July 4, 2025, Gunn explained that the film’s story will reflect the politics of present day America.“I mean, Superman is the story of America. 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,” Gunn said.While some viewers see this as an authentic approach to the character’s origins, others believe it risks alienating certain audience segments. The responses vary from support to criticism, revealing the complex relationship audiences now have with superhero narratives that reflect modern-day themes.“Please don’t be WOKE,” tweeted one fan.Some users echoed frustration over what they see as unnecessary political messaging in entertainment, and others expressed disappointment that the film’s messaging may overshadow the storyline.“Probably wasn’t a good idea to get political a week before the film comes out. For sure it’s gonna alienate a lot of people who want common sense immigration laws, people are tired of being preached at by Hollywood.. just look at what happened to Snow White.. and Marvel,” one netizen shared.“This just told me to stay home this weekend. I don’t want politics preached at me in a f*cking Superman movie… I want an escape from this reality, life is hard enough I don’t need my entertainment to tell me how much it sucks,” commented another user."Damn I’ll just sit this one out and watch Man Of Steel and Superman Returns again. I was really looking forward to this but not so much now,” said another one.Meanwhile, many fans hit back at those criticizing Gunn’s comments, claiming that the Last Son of Krypton’s immigrant identity has long been part of the lore, something that the comics have not shied away from, and questioned why it is controversial now.“Superman is the most “woke” superhero to ever exist. I’m sorry you have to find out this way,” one fan defended. “Uhh... Superman is an immigrant though? He grew up as a human. But that doesn’t mean he’s human. Hes still Kryptonian. So how is it a problem when Gunn is stating the obvious?” another fan wrote.“For those people who think that Superman was never “woke” WTF are you talking about ¿do you know the f*cking character?” commented another fan.“To me that’s always been the beauty of Superman he’s basically an alien god but he’s more human than most humans. The Kents really raised him right,” shared another fan.What James Gunn said about Superman and the story of AmericaDavid Corenswet as Clark Kent seen in a quiet moment reflecting on dual identities (Image via YouTube/DC)In several interviews leading up to the release of the film, James Gunn has shared how the film is rooted in the themes of morality, identity, and kindness. In his Times interview, Gunn described the superhero as “the story of America.” He was also asked if he was aware that the film may be received differently in different parts of the country.“Yes, it plays differently,” he said.Gunn continued on to speak about how audiences may interpret the film.“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 said.Gunn emphasized that while the film does carry political subtext, it is also about posing moral questions.“Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart,” he shared.Although Gunn said he doesn’t make films to change the world, he hopes the story encourages kindness.“If a few people could be just a bit nicer after this, it would make me happy,” he said.The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor, with supporting roles from Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and María Gabriela de Faría. The film was shot in Georgia, Ohio, and Svalbard, Norway, with key locations representing Metropolis, Smallville, and the Fortress of Solitude.Superman releases in theaters on July 11, 2025.