James Gunn’s Superman isn’t just another cape-wearing adventure—it’s a story with heart and a message.
In a new interview with the Times of London, the DC Studios boss opened up about the deeper themes driving the upcoming film, calling Superman “the story of America.”
“An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country,” Gunn said. “But for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”
Gunn acknowledged that people may interpret those themes differently, especially given the heated conversations around immigration in the U.S. Still, he’s not backing down.
“Yes, it plays differently, but it’s about human kindness,” he explained. “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 added that while the film touches on politics, it’s ultimately a morality tale. “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.”
Superman hits theaters July 11 and stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.
