Many are lauding the success of Superman, especially now that it’s crossing $300 million at the box office—a first since 2022’s The Batman. However, it looks like not everyone is impressed with James Gunn’s new vision for the DC Universe, as Dean Cain criticizes the director’s creative direction.
Cain, who played the Man of Steel in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997, opposes what he called the “woke” Superman.
From its theme to its depiction of Clark Kent’s parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, here’s what Cain had to say.
What Did Dean Cain Say About James Gunn’s Superman?
During Cain’s Zoom appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored as covered by Variety, he talked about Superman before it hit the theaters.
The 59-year-old star expressed his disapproval of the movie’s subtle jabs at red-state America—from the appearance of Jonathan and Martha to the portrayal of Israel.
Many believe that the fictional Boravia, a U.S.-backed, heavily militarized human rights abuser, is an intentional metaphor for the Jewish state.
“Look, don’t try and make it all woke and crazy!” the conservative said. He then focused on Gunn’s take on the characters of Clark’s parents.
“James Gunn and his decision to make Ma and Pa Kent the stupid rednecks,” he continued. “That’s a choice.”
He also questioned the movie’s recurring theme of Superman needing to be saved.
“And Superman has to be saved, like, repeatedly? On a movie this size, every decision is a choice made carefully,” he added. “And [DC Studios co-head] Peter Safran is a Princeton guy, too, a year ahead of me, but he’s never hired me.”
Anyhow, if there’s one part of the film he likes, it’s probably Krypto the dog.
“Seeing Krypto in the trailer gave me goose bumps,” he revealed. “He saves a squirrel. He saves a little girl. I respect that.”
This isn’t the first time Cain has criticized Superman. In an earlier interview, he also responded to Gunn’s revelation that Superman is an immigrant.
“I think if you want to create a new character, go ahead and do that,” he explained. “But for me, Superman has always stood for ‘truth, justice, and the American way’ — and the American way is tremendously immigrant-friendly. But there are rules.”
What Did James Gunn Say About the Superman Backlash?
Despite the criticism and the backlash, Gunn remains unbothered by what conservatives have said about Superman.
In an interview with Variety, he said he had nothing “to say to anybody” spreading negativity about the film.
“I think this is a movie about kindness, and I think that’s something everyone can relate to,” he added.
His brother, Sean Gunn, who played Maxwell Lord in the movie, also weighed in on the hate Superman received ahead of its premiere.
“My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about. We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants,” he said. “Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants—and if you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”
With Superman's box office success, it’s clear that despite the criticisms, many audiences still embrace the film.
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