Superman: MAGAs like Trump or gentle immigrant?
The latest “Superman” film by James Gunn has sparked controversy right out of the gate. The debate is less about the film’s quality and more about its symbolic use (and some would say, exploitation) of the oldest, most recognized, and according to a recent survey, the most popular superhero – ranking even higher than Batman. The iconic character is being appropriated by the underdogs, war victims, and even the President of the United States himself, as evidenced by a grandiose White House post featuring Donald Trump donning the famous cape and “S” emblem.
Superman, the creation of Jerry Siegel and Joel Schuster, sons of Russian Jewish immigrants, made his earth-shattering debut just before World War II. By 1938, Hitler was already wreaking havoc in Europe, and the most powerful metahuman in the comic book universe was defending the weak and innocent. This seemingly apolitical guardian of society was engaged in a relentless battle against villains and criminals. When Superman opposed Hitler in 1940, on behalf of a group of cunning industrialists in a neutral country, the German leader was infuriated. A German newspaper even criticized the political involvement of a fictional character – a testament to his already widespread influence.
Forever invincible except when exposed to kryptonite, Cal El symbolizes nobility of spirit, according to director Gunn. He didn’t hesitate to stir up controversy this summer by asserting that Superman is, in essence, an immigrant.
The significance of this American symbol of freedom was highlighted in a recent op-ed by narrative strategist Andrew Slack and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anthony Vargas. They recall instances where the superhero has taken a stand in pivotal moments of modern history: In 1949, he denounced Hafidism as anti-American to resist the rising tide of McCarthyism; he revealed the Ku Klux Klan‘s devious plans on public radio; and, following the murder of George Floyd, he championed the right to dream and the dignity of every citizen, vowing to never stop fighting for justice.
So, his decision to align himself with the underdogs in the 2025 “Superman” narrative, much to the annoyance of Jor El and his faction, including a rival leader with a comically exaggerated Russian accent, and his partner Lois, who strays from journalistic integrity while questioning if her lover is making wise choices in these troubled times, didn’t exactly come out of the blue.
Now at the age of 88 but always invigorated unless exposed to the kryptonite that drains his immense powers (perhaps a metaphor for the burdens he’s left behind), Cal El, who changed his Hebrew name to the more terrestrial and inconspicuous Clark Kent, embodies a noble spirit, says director Gunn. He was, however, quick to stir up the tranquil summer movie season by pointing out that Superman is fundamentally an immigrant.
Progressives concur and amplify this idea: Superman is akin to the enslaved, the refugees, the dreamers, just like the young boy in the film who prays fervently in a humble, fragile camp, hoping for a miracle just like the children of Palestine. Is this “Superman” material? It could be, if the film fully embraced it, which it decidedly does not. Instead, it attempts to cram in light-heartedness, darkness, romance, comic book tropes, reckless villains and trivial allies, impressive effects and deep sentiment, along with a (somewhat heavy-handed) message, which can be a bit much for the average viewer.
Being fair, and not necessarily to a fictional character, Superman is indeed an orphan, like tens of millions around the world, forced to flee his collapsing homeland, adopted by humble farmers in a remote area. Yet, he is so exceptional that he is not someone with whom you can easily identify; he is admirable, placed on a pedestal that seems impossible to reach.
If nobility is defined as the display of audacious power, then Superman is both noble and of noble origin, a fact we don’t easily forget, having been reminded of it by numerous film adaptations over the years. He has never been the archetypal refugee child. Descended from royalty, he wields technology and knowledge that are far beyond what we have on Earth. Thankfully, he uses these powers for good. We’ve always known him as a privileged individual, and he continues to exemplify the magical potential of rebirth.
Despite the passage of time, he hasn’t turned bitter or grown weary from the relentless and often thankless task of saving the human race, particularly the American nation. A follower of Nietzsche might see him as a friend, a kin, or even a role model, given his exceptional creation and unmatched resilience. Above all, he personifies American ideals, standing against evil in all its forms. It’s not surprising that both the White House and a faction of the woke movement, who feel their efforts have been disregarded, are dramatically laying claim to this ageless patriarch of the Avengers. His cinematic narrative is a far cry from the 2006 messianic parable by Brian Singer – Superman Returns, where at 33, Superman is metaphorically stoned and resurrected in a sequence that would make Mel Gibson envious.
Nineteen years later, even Clark Kent himself is questioning whether he was right to follow the moral compass ingrained in him at his creation. He’s gone from being a respected American moral pioneer to finding himself caught in the crossfire of modern culture wars, which are as complex and unresolved as the Middle East conflict.
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