Director James Gunn describes 'Superman' as a story revolving around an immigrant originating from different realms, with central themes of lost humanity and kindness. He affirms its political nature, stating "Yes, it's about politics."
In a recent interview with The Times of London, James Gunn, the head of DC Studios, unveiled the key themes and ideas that underpin his upcoming Superman film. Gunn's vision for the iconic superhero is rooted in both his personal perspective and the current social and political landscape.
## Key Themes and Ideas
### Politics and Immigration
Gunn positions Superman as a fundamentally political story, using the character to engage with contemporary issues. He highlights Superman's status as an immigrant, emphasising that the story is about America, a country populated by an immigrant who arrives from another world[1][2][3]. The film draws explicit parallels between Superman’s journey and real-world immigrant experiences, exploring themes of displacement, assimilation, and finding belonging in a place that was not originally one’s own[3].
### Basic Human Kindness
Gunn underscores the importance of basic human kindness as a central value, stating that it is something society has lost and that people now often perceive kindness as a weakness rather than a strength[1][2][3]. He asserts that Superman embodies this kindness, making him emotionally resilient and morally grounded. Gunn is unapologetic about this message, even stating that those who might find it offensive should be disregarded—hence his blunt comment, “screw them”[1][2][4].
### Morality and Relationships
The film explores the complexity of moral beliefs, particularly through the relationship between Superman (who believes in never killing, no matter what) and Lois Lane (who sees nuance and the necessity of balance in difficult decisions)[1][2]. Gunn frames this as a story about how differing moral opinions can create conflict between people, especially in close relationships[1][2].
## Characters and Cast
The upcoming Superman movie boasts an impressive cast. David Corenswet plays Superman, while Rachel Brosnahan portrays Lois Lane. Skyler Gisondo is cast as Jimmy Olsen, María Gabriela de Faría plays The Engineer, and Nathan Fillion appears as Green Lantern. Nicholas Hoult is cast as Lex Luthor.
## Release Date
The Superman movie is scheduled for release on July 11. In the film, Isabela Merced plays Hawkgirl. Gunn’s Superman is thus portrayed as a deeply humanistic and politically relevant figure, using the superhero genre to discuss belonging, kindness, and the complexities of morality in a divided world[1][2][3].
[1] The Times of London Interview with James Gunn [2] Variety Interview with James Gunn [3] Empire Interview with James Gunn [4] Collider Interview with James Gunn
Movies-and-TV enthusiasts can look forward to an engaging Superman film that delves into contemporary political issues and the importance of basic human kindness, focusing on the character's immigrant status and his portrayal of kindness as a strength rather than a weakness. The film is set for release alongside other entertainments on July 11.
