Introduction to the New Superman Film
In the highly expected new "Superman" film, David Corenswet plays the leading role in the title role, with the steel man first appearing to be bloody and injured in an arctic landscape. Director James Gunn explained at a press event after the film’s first trailer was published, "We have a smashed Superman at the beginning. This is our country." This Superman symbolizes an America that is in a thorough state, but still stands for goodness.
The Evolution of Superman
Superman was often seen as an archetypal US superhero who embodies ideals of truth and justice as well as the American dream. However, in the new film, Gunn decided to concentrate on the "universal morality" instead of the American emergency. Instead of being a national hero, Superman wants to protect and save the weak around the world, even if it puts him in trouble.
Political Undertones
Gunn stated, "Yes, it’s about politics," before adding that it is also about "human friendliness." He noted that some people might find it insulting simply because it is about friendliness, but he dismissed their concerns. These comments had right-wing commentators worried that Gunn had transformed the legendary superhero into a "woke" figure, prompting them to call for a boycott of the film.
Marvel versus DC in the Era of Cultural Wars
Blockbuster superhero films usually avoid being marked as conservative or liberal. However, a popular theory among superhero fans is that the film universes of the two largest North American comic publishers, DC and Marvel Comics, are polarized along ideological lines. The DC universe, which includes Superman and Batman, is described as more conservative and authoritarian, with its superheroes being presented as the ultimate protectors of order.
James Gunn’s Stance
As an author and director of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, James Gunn belonged to Team Marvel. He is also a pronounced Donald Trump critic, having announced his views in various tweets. Gunn’s comments and tweets have made him enemies in the Maga camp, with some calling for him to be dropped from his projects.
Superman’s Original History
Superman’s original history was written by Jewish immigrants of the second generation, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who created a superhero who defended the weak in response to the rise of Hitler and anti-Semitism in Europe. Baby Superman’s biological parents send him to Earth before dying in the destruction of their planet, and the family that adopts him claims him fraudulently as their biological son Clark Kent to cover up the fact that the child is literally an extraterrestrial without papers.
The Significance of Superman’s Story
This aspect of the superhero biography was repeated in 2018 when the high refugee commissioner of the United Nations published the book "Superman was also a refugee." A year earlier, Superman protected a group of immigrants without papers in front of an armed white supremacist, highlighting the ongoing relevance of his story. The state’s use of the term "alien" has been a topic of debate, with the current Trump government increasing its approach to immigration, triggering alarm about the state of US democracy and dividing people in the country.
