The Superman Movie You Want vs. The One Hollywood Is Making: Politics Takes Center Stage

Director James Gunn has confirmed that the upcoming Superman reboot will lean heavily into politics and themes of “human kindness,” a move that many viewers worry could overshadow the simple joy of a superhero story.

Gunn told The Sunday Times that Superman is “about politics,” describing the hero as “an immigrant that came from other places,” and framing the film as a message about kindness—a value he says America has “lost.” But for many fans, this politicized approach risks turning the beloved character into a platform for social messaging rather than pure entertainment.

Since his debut in 1938, Superman has been a symbol of hope, strength, and justice — qualities that transcend political debates. But now, as Gunn’s reboot prepares to hit theaters on July 11, the focus on political themes has some moviegoers rolling their eyes, tired of what they see as Hollywood’s ongoing push of a “woke agenda” into every blockbuster.

When asked about the film’s political themes playing differently in “blue” cities like Metropolis versus Superman’s rural Kansas roots, Gunn dismissed critics, saying, “there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive… but screw them.” That defiant attitude only reinforces how disconnected some feel Hollywood is from the audience that just wants a fun, heroic Superman movie — without the politics.

Beyond politics, Gunn said the film explores moral questions like whether Superman should “never kill no matter what” or find balance as Lois Lane believes. But for many, the hope is that these debates don’t drown out the core of what makes Superman great: a timeless hero fighting for truth and justice.

In a time when many Americans are exhausted by political drama spilling into entertainment, the real question is whether this Superman reboot can deliver classic superhero thrills — or if it’ll get lost in the noise of a culture war.