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James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film has not only revived the iconic hero but also ignited a political firestorm, particularly among right-wing Americans.
The debut of the new Superman film last week sparked global excitement, with many reconnecting with their sense of childhood wonder. This did not go without a major debate about who envisioned Superman the best, Zack Snyder or James Gunn.
Admittedly, each director brought a unique creative approach to the character. Still, it was refreshing to see the new film capture the hopeful spirit of the original Superman comics, along with the similarities to Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal.
Since it hit theatres worldwide, the film amassed a fair share of criticism and praise, whether it was about the suit or the Fortress of Solitude’s architecture. Nevertheless, the criticisms didn’t get to the point where it offended anyone…did it?
Well, as it turns out that the MAGA community was very much offended, but for another reason. If you have not watched the movie, warning: spoilers ahead.
James Gunn’s vision
Since his introduction, Superman has symbolized hope and kindness, qualities that James Gunn aimed to highlight in his portrayal. In contrast to Zack Snyder’s darker, more brooding interpretation, the new version was designed to capture the optimism reflected in the hero’s iconic emblem.
To Gunn, Superman is the ‘story of America’. He went on to state that the character is an immigrant who populated the country, and that for him, the movie is primarily a story of the value of basic human kindness.
So, you can see where the right-wing community began to take exception to the movie. That’s not all that riled them up, either.
Real-world parallels
The film features a fictional war between wealthy, US-backed Boravia and the poorer Jarhanpur, widely interpreted as a parallel to Israel and Palestine. Under the guise of a humanitarian mission, Boravia invades Jarhanpur with Luthorcorp’s help, only to reveal Lex Luthor’s secret arms deal in exchange for half the conquered land of Jarhanpur.
You can’t ignore the parallels in the superman movie to real life events. Palestine and isreal, hostages, netanyahu, elon musk, billionaires trying to gain power by selling weapons, and fake propaganda spread by the news. You’re a villain if you’re on the wrong side.
— noora ꩜‧ ₊˚
⊹ (@noursreads) July 14, 2025
The narrative drew strong parallels to the violence in the Israel-Gaza conflict and the war in Ukraine. It even evoked powerful imagery of occupation, military aggression, and civilian suffering, mirroring the real experiences of the victims.
In this context, Superman’s intervention in the Boravia-Jarhanpur war symbolizes the urgent need for humanitarian action amid conflict, rather than more violence. This focus shifts the character’s image from just a patriotic symbol to a broader, universal emblem of morality.
