Superman’s Woke Controversy: The Politics Behind DC’s New Man of Steel

Blimey, who knew calling Superman an immigrant would cause such a massive dust-up? As someone who’s covered superhero films since Christian Bale was still growling through Batman’s cowl, I’ve never seen anything quite like the absolute scenes unfolding around James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot.

The Immigration Kerfuffle: What’s All the Fuss About?

Right, let’s get stuck in. James Gunn, DC’s new creative head honcho, had the audacity (apparently) to point out that Superman – a literal alien from another planet – is an immigrant. Shocking stuff, eh? About as controversial as saying water’s wet, you’d think.

But cor, did that set the cat among the pigeons. Former Superman actor Dean Cain threw his cape in the ring, getting proper mardy about it all. While he acknowledged Supes’ immigrant status, he reckoned there “have to be limits” – though what limits you’d put on a bloke who can fly and shoot lasers from his eyes is anyone’s guess.

The American Way: A History Lesson Nobody Asked For

Here’s a fun fact that’s got the critics looking proper daft: that famous “truth, justice, and the American way” line? It wasn’t even part of Superman’s original motto. It was tacked on during World War II for the radio show, probably around the same time they were rationing tea (the real tragedy). The comics didn’t even mention it until 1991 – practically yesterday in Superman years.

The Kellyanne Conway Connection: Politics Takes Flight

In a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway’s gone and had a pop at a film she hasn’t even seen yet. She’s particularly miffed that new Superman David Corenswet referred to the motto as “truth, justice, all that good stuff.” The horror!

FAQ: Your Burning Superman Questions Answered

Is the new Superman film actually ‘woke’?

Given that nobody’s actually seen it yet (including its loudest critics), that’s about as meaningful as calling your nan’s Sunday roast ‘woke’ because she started using plant-based gravy.

Has Superman always been political?

Mate, he’s a refugee who flies around in primary colours fighting billionaires and saving the working class. Draw your own conclusions.

What’s different about this Superman?

Beyond David Corenswet taking over the role and James Gunn directing, we’re looking at a younger Superman story that apparently acknowledges his immigrant background. Revolutionary stuff, clearly.

The Bottom Line

Look, at the end of the day, we’re having a massive barney about a film that won’t hit cinemas until late 2025. Perhaps we might want to, I don’t know, watch it first? Just a thought.

Until then, maybe we can all agree that getting your knickers in a twist over a fictional alien’s immigration status might not be the best use of anyone’s time. Although, that would make too much sense, wouldn’t it?

Share your thoughts below – but keep it civil, yeah? We’ve got enough drama with the flying alien bloke as it is.