James Gunn Explains Superman’s Themes of Immigration and Human Kindness

James Gunn recently opened up about the themes behind his upcoming Superman film, particularly how the story of the iconic superhero resonates with contemporary political issues. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Gunn described Superman as ‘the story of America,’ focusing on the immigrant experience. He emphasized that the character embodies the values of human kindness and moral integrity. With current political tensions surrounding immigration, Gunn acknowledged that his take on Superman could be interpreted differently across political lines. However, he remains unapologetic, stating that the film’s message is about kindness in a time when many feel a loss of hope in humanity. Additionally, Gunn explained that the film explores moral questions, such as whether one should always uphold moral ideals, as Superman does, or allow for more flexibility, as Lois Lane believes. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film is set to hit theaters in July 2025. Gunn hopes that the film will inspire audiences to be kinder and more empathetic, although he notes that changing the world isn’t the primary goal of the movie.