Sean Gunn Shuts Down MAGA Criticism Over Superman Debate: “If You Don’t Like That, You’re Not American”
The new Superman movie is stirring up a lot of talk, even before it hits theaters everywhere. The controversy started after director James Gunn called Superman “an immigrant” in an interview with The Times of London.
Gunn explained that for him, Superman’s story is really about America. He said the movie shows how an immigrant came from another place and became part of the country. But more than that, Gunn said the heart of the film is kindness. “Basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost,” he told the paper.
He also admitted the film touches on “politics” and “morality,” and he knows some people won’t like that. “There are jerks out there who are just not kind… but screw them,” Gunn said.
The idea of Superman as an immigrant isn’t new. The character’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were both children of Jewish immigrants. DC Comics has also called Superman a “refugee” in the past. Still, some on the right didn’t like Gunn’s comments.
On Fox News’ show The Five, former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway said, “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.” The host, Jesse Watters, made a harsh joke, saying, “You know what it says on his cape? MS-13.”
Kellyanne on Superman: We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to—
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 7, 2025
Watters: You know what it says on his cape? MS13 pic.twitter.com/F1PBPeE9nf
Despite the backlash, James Gunn stood firm when asked about it at the Superman premiere in Los Angeles. He told Variety, “I think this is a movie about kindness and I think that’s something everyone can relate to. I’m not here to judge people.”
Sean Gunn, James’s brother and actor who plays Maxwell Lord in the film, spoke out strongly too. He said, “We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants.” Then he added, “If you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”
Sean Gunn on the MAGA backlash to Superman being called an immigrant: "People who say no to immigrants are against the American way." pic.twitter.com/XgivaD34PE
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
With the movie about to come out, it’s clear Superman is already sparking big debates. But the Gunn brothers want people to remember one simple thing: Superman is about kindness, and kindness should bring us together, not divide us.
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