Superman: A Timeless Tale of Kindness and the Immigrant Experience
Long recognized as a powerful metaphor for the immigrant journey, Superman’s story resonates deeply, particularly when reflecting on the backgrounds of his creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, both of whom were second-generation Jewish immigrants. In a recent interview with The Times U.K., James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of the upcoming Superman film, emphasized that his portrayal of Kal-El aligns with the original vision crafted in 1938.
Gunn stated, “Superman is the story of America. He embodies the immigrant experience, coming from distant lands to become a symbol of hope and strength.” He further articulated that the essence of Superman’s narrative highlights the importance of basic human kindness, a value that seems to be waning in today’s world.
When discussing how the film might be received across different political landscapes, especially in light of rising anti-immigrant sentiments, Gunn acknowledged, “It plays differently in various regions, but at its core, it’s about kindness. Of course, there will be those who react negatively simply because the film promotes compassion. But that shouldn’t deter us.”
Scheduled for release on July 11, the film stars David Corenswet as the iconic superhero, portraying him as an established reporter at the Daily Planet who is in a relationship with Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan. As Superman faces challenges both locally and globally, he, along with his loyal dog Krypto, must navigate shifting public perceptions while tech mogul Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, seeks to exploit the situation for his gain.
Gunn shared that the film dives into political themes while also exploring deeper moral questions. “It’s a story about morality. Superman believes in never taking a life, while Lois grapples with finding balance. Their relationship illustrates how differing moral perspectives can create tension.”
While the Warner Bros. Pictures project aims to blend important messages with family-friendly entertainment, Gunn’s ultimate goal is to present a heartfelt story. “This iteration of Superman arrives at a time when many are feeling disillusioned about the goodness of others,” he noted. “I’m telling a story about a character who represents unwavering goodness, which feels especially relevant now amidst a culture that often leans towards negativity.”
Gunn expressed that the pervasive meanness online is disheartening, stating, “It’s overwhelming to see millions of people engage in negativity on the internet. It raises questions about our cultural direction. If I could eliminate that toxicity with the press of a button, I would.” While he acknowledges that he doesn’t create films with the sole intention of changing the world, he hopes that this story might inspire people to embrace kindness and compassion in their daily lives.
In summary, the upcoming Superman film promises to be a poignant reminder of the enduring values of hope and kindness, resonating with audiences amid a complex social landscape.
