Superman director James Gunn confirmed that his take on the Man of Steel in the new DCU film will be an allegorical tale of the immigrant experience.
Long-time fans of the character are aware that creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster drew inspiration for the hero from their personal immigration experiences. Fans have been wondering whether Gunn will take the same approach when he reintroduces him to the new generation.
Is James Gunn's Superman Going to Be an Immigrant Story?
In an interview with The Times UK, Gunn shared that his new Superman movie will also be an immigrant story, just like how the creators of the character approached him.
"I mean, Superman is the story of America. 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," he said.
When asked whether the film could be perceived as polarizing due to anti-immigrant sentiments in some parts of the country, Gunn replied, "Yes, it plays differently, but it’s about human kindness, 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."
Despite the potential political nature of the story, Gunn emphasized that the film is about kindness and morality.
"Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level, it’s about morality. 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," he explained.
Ultimately, Gunn intended the film to convey a human story with a universal message, appealing to a broad audience.
What to Expect in James Gunn's Superman?
Superman serves as the first film in the new DCU franchise under the leadership of DC Studios chairmen Gunn and Peter Safran.
The film will feature Gunn's singular blend of epic action, humor, and heart, delivering a Superman driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humanity.
"This Superman does seem to come at a particular time when people are feeling a loss of hope in other people’s goodness. I’m telling a story about a guy who is uniquely good, and that feels needed now because there is a meanness that has emerged due to cultural figures being mean online," Gunn explained.
"And I include myself in this. It is ad infinitum; millions of people are having tantrums online. How are we supposed to get anywhere as a culture? We don’t know what’s real, and that's a particularly challenging state for the human brain to be in. If I could press a button to make the internet disappear I’d consider it. And, no, I don’t make films to change the world, but if a few people could be just a bit nicer after this it would make me happy."
The cast includes David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, and Alan Tudyk.
What do you think of Gunn's remarks? Let us know in the comments.
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