James Gunn's Superman: Reclaiming Morality in a World That Needs Heroes

James Gunn's "Superman" (2025) represents more than just another superhero reboot—it's a deliberate statement about the power of fundamental moral values in today's divided world. As Gunn has repeatedly emphasized in interviews, this Superman embodies "kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned," making it a perfect reflection of the core values that the Our Values Are project champions.¹

A Return to Basic Moralities

The new Superman film centers on several core moral principles that feel both timeless and urgently needed. Gunn's vision presents kindness and compassion not as weaknesses but as genuine strengths, challenging the cynical assumption that decency is naive. When Gunn describes Superman as representing "basic human kindness," he's making a statement about what our society has lost and desperately needs to reclaim.²

The film's moral framework treats Superman as representing America's immigrant story—a nation built by people who came from other places to create something new. As Gunn explained, "Superman is the story of America," connecting the character's alien origins to the broader narrative of immigrants who have shaped the country. This Superman wrestles with complex moral situations while maintaining his fundamental commitment to truth, justice, and hope—core values that transcend political divisions and speak to our shared humanity.³

Perhaps most significantly, Gunn's Superman represents hope in the face of institutional corruption and moral decay. Rather than responding with vengeance or punishment, this iteration emphasizes redemption, restraint, and leading by positive example. As producer Peter Safran explained, this Superman is "the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way."⁴

The film also tackles contemporary moral challenges through Superman's intervention in foreign conflicts, where he operates as "a hero for the world," not just America, saving people regardless of their nationality or background. This global perspective reinforces the principle that human dignity knows no borders—a core tenet reflected in "No Human Is Illegal" from the Our Values Are image.⁵

Voices of Opposition and the Backlash Against Basic Decency

Predictably, the film has faced significant criticism from conservative voices that oppose its inclusive moral framework. These are the same forces promoting hate and division that overshadow values of equality, respect, and kindness in our society. Fox News has labeled the movie "Superwoke" and featured segments attacking Gunn's characterization of Superman as an immigrant story.⁶ Host Jesse Watters made derogatory comments linking Superman to criminal gangs, while Kellyanne Conway complained that audiences "don't go to the movie theater to be lectured to."⁷

This opposition reveals a troubling pattern where fundamental human decency is reframed as political activism simply because it includes everyone in its vision of justice and compassion. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro criticized the film for being "woke," while podcaster Clay Travis declared he would skip the movie entirely. Former TV Superman Dean Cain expressed concern about how "woke" Hollywood would make the character, questioning why beloved characters need to be changed "to exist for the times."⁸

The backlash extends beyond media personalities to broader conservative movements, with right-wing social media accounts like "End Wokeness" rallying against the film. These voices promoting division fail to recognize that Superman has always evolved to address the moral challenges of his era, from his origins as a champion of social justice in the 1930s through various reimaginings across decades.⁹

The Power of Language and Coded Opposition

The criticism reveals how terms like "woke" have been weaponized to dismiss legitimate concerns about equality and inclusion. Originally a term from Black American communities meaning staying alert to social injustice, "woke" has been co-opted by conservative movements to attack diversity initiatives, LGBTQ+ rights, and acknowledgment of systemic inequality.¹⁰

When critics attack Superman for representing compassion, they're essentially arguing that kindness itself has become a political position rather than a universal virtue. As Gunn pointedly responded to this backlash: "there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them."¹¹

This resistance to kindness as a core value demonstrates exactly why projects like Our Values Are matter—they make visible the principles that should unite us rather than divide us. The fact that a character advocating for equality, respect, and human dignity can be labeled as controversial shows how far our discourse has shifted away from basic moral consensus.

Our Values Are and Superman's Moral Mission

The moral framework of Gunn's Superman aligns remarkably well with the ten statements in the Our Values Are image. Superman's commitment to treating all people with dignity reflects "All People Are Equal." His acceptance of diversity among his fellow heroes embodies "Love Is Love" and "Diversity Makes Us Stronger." His protection of the vulnerable demonstrates that "No Human Is Illegal" and "Disabilities Are Respected."

The film's emphasis on Superman's immigrant identity connects directly to the principle that diversity strengthens communities. His unwavering moral compass in the face of corruption exemplifies how individual ethical action can inspire systemic change. Most importantly, Superman's commitment to hope and compassion in the face of hatred and division exemplifies the transformative power of kindness.

Critics have noted that Gunn's Superman is "uniquely good" and arrives "at a particular time when people are feeling a loss of hope in other people's goodness."¹³ This observation underscores why both Superman and the Our Values Are project are needed now—they serve as visible reminders of what we can be when we choose compassion over cynicism.

Making Values Visible in a Cynical World

The controversy surrounding Superman demonstrates the urgent need for visible declarations of moral commitment. Just as Superman's costume makes him a symbol of hope that people can rally around, the Our Values Are image allows businesses to serve as beacons of inclusive values in their communities.

Gunn has acknowledged that his film arrives at a time of unprecedented division: "There is a meanness that has emerged due to cultural figures being mean online... millions of people having tantrums online. How are we supposed to get anywhere as a culture?"¹³ This observation captures why Superman's message feels revolutionary rather than conventional.

When businesses display the Our Values Are image, they're making the same choice Superman makes every day—to stand for what's right even when it's difficult, to choose love over fear, and to believe that our shared humanity is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us. They join Superman in demonstrating that taking a moral stand isn't outdated—it's essential.

The Revolutionary Nature of Basic Decency

The hostile reaction to Superman's advocacy for kindness and inclusion reveals how radical basic decency has become in our current political climate. When Fox News treats compassion for immigrants as controversial, or when former Superman actors worry about the character showing too much kindness, we see how far our discourse has shifted from recognizing universal human dignity.¹⁴

The film's success despite this backlash—earning positive reviews and a strong box office opening—suggests that audiences hunger for stories that affirm rather than cynically deconstruct our better angels.¹⁵ This response indicates that the values Superman represents aren't fringe political positions but fundamental human principles that transcend partisan divides.

As one critic noted, this Superman "reminds us that Clark Kent has always been a beacon of hope and the goodness that can exist in this world."¹⁶ In an era where even suggesting that people deserve basic dignity can provoke intense backlash, Superman's moral stance becomes genuinely heroic.

Conclusion: Values as Superpowers

In Gunn's vision, Superman succeeds not through might but through moral example. His greatest superpower isn't his ability to fly or his invulnerability—it's his unwavering commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect. This approach mirrors the philosophy behind the Our Values Are project: that displaying our commitment to fundamental human values isn't just about making a statement, but about creating the kind of world we want to live in.

The upcoming Superman film reminds us that taking a moral stand remains essential. By displaying values of equality, respect, and kindness, businesses can join Superman in representing the best of what we can be when we choose compassion over cynicism, hate, and division and hope over hate.

In a time when even Superman's traditional values are considered controversial by some, the need for visible declarations of moral commitment becomes even more urgent. Both Superman and the Our Values Are project understand that in a world where hate is amplified, love must be made visible. Where division is sown, unity must be declared. Where cynicism reigns, hope must be boldly displayed.

That's not woke politics—that's basic human decency. And in 2025, that might just be the most revolutionary message of all.

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References

¹ Gunn, James, quoted in ComicBook.com. "James Gunn Bracing for Specific Kind of Superman Backlash." January 2025. https://comicbook.com/movies/news/james-gunn-superman-movie-backlash-human-way-kindness-politics/

² Fox News. "New Superman film tackles politics and morality, says director James Gunn." January 2025. https://www.foxnews.com/media/superman-director-reveals-reboot-tackle-politics-kindness-tells-jerks-screw-off

³ Variety. "James Gunn Says 'Superman' Is About an 'Immigrant That Came From Other Places.'" January 2025. https://variety.com/2025/film/news/james-gunn-superman-immigrant-politics-david-corenswet-1236448157/

⁴ Wikipedia. "Superman (2025 film)." https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_(2025_film)

⁵ ComicBook.com. "James Gunn Bracing for Specific Kind of Superman Backlash." January 2025.

⁶ Axios. "Why the new 'Superman' movie became right-wing kryptonite." July 2025. https://www.axios.com/2025/07/10/superman-movie-immigrants-fox-news-james-gunn

⁷ NBC News. "Superman or 'Superwoke'? Right-wing critics of the new DC movie say the latter." July 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/superman-movie-james-gunn-slammed-as-woke-rcna217653

⁸ Variety. "Dean Cain Worries Superman Is Woke Amid MAGA Backlash Over 'Immigrant.'" January 2025. https://variety.com/2025/film/news/dean-cain-superman-woke-maga-backlash-immigrant-1236451732/

⁹ The Hill. "James Gunn's 'Superman' faces conservative criticism after immigration comments." July 2025. https://thehill.com/media/5395393-gunn-superman-director-stance/

¹⁰ Salon. "'Superman' is super woke — on purpose." July 2025. https://www.salon.com/2025/07/13/superman-is-super-woke-on-purpose/

¹¹ ComicBook.com. "James Gunn Bracing for Specific Kind of Superman Backlash." January 2025.

¹² Variety. "Dean Cain Worries Superman Is Woke Amid MAGA Backlash Over 'Immigrant.'" January 2025. https://variety.com/2025/film/news/dean-cain-superman-woke-maga-backlash-immigrant-1236451732/

¹³ The Hill. "James Gunn's 'Superman' faces conservative criticism after immigration comments." July 2025. https://thehill.com/media/5395393-gunn-superman-director-stance/

¹⁴ ComicBook.com. "James Gunn Bracing for Specific Kind of Superman Backlash." January 2025.

¹⁵ Fox News Radio. "Superman Goes Woke." July 2025. https://radio.foxnews.com/2025/07/11/superman-goes-woke/

¹⁶ Variety. "Superman First Reactions: James Gunn Gets Raves as New DC Universe Begins." January 2025. https://variety.com/2025/film/news/superman-first-reactions-james-gunn-raves-dc-1236448416/

¹⁷ Variety. "Superman First Reactions: James Gunn Gets Raves as New DC Universe Begins." January 2025.