Superman Reboot: Is James Gunn's 'Superman' Too Woke for Some?
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The highly anticipated Superman reboot has landed, but not without controversy. While many celebrate James Gunn's energized take on the Man of Steel, some right-wing critics are accusing the film of being overly "woke" by framing Superman as an immigrant's story.
Superman: An Immigrant's Tale?
The controversy stems from comments made by director James Gunn, who emphasized the importance of Superman's immigrant identity in the film's narrative. Gunn stated that Superman's story is essentially the story of America, highlighting the values of basic human kindness that he believes have been lost.
"I mean, Superman is the story of America," Gunn told The Times of London. "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."
Political Flashpoint
These comments have sparked outrage among some conservative commentators who believe Gunn has unnecessarily politicized the superhero. This criticism is part of a larger trend of right-wing figures blasting Hollywood for its perceived liberalism. The X account “End Wokeness” stated in a post, “Hollywood literally never learns.”
It's worth noting that superhero comics have a long history of addressing political themes. Captain America famously punched Adolf Hitler on a comic cover in 1941, and Superman fought the Ku Klux Klan in a 1946 radio broadcast. However, the current climate seems to be more sensitive to perceived political messaging in superhero films.
Is it Winning Enough?
Despite the controversy, early reviews suggest that Gunn's reboot captures the spirit of the comics. David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman is described as radiating joy, while also showcasing the character's vulnerability. This blend of optimism and emotional depth could be what sets this Superman apart. Only time will tell if this Superman movie will be a hit with a broad audience.