Actor Dean Cain, well-known for his role as Superman in the classic series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997, has expressed significant concerns regarding the current trajectory of the character in Hollywood. During a candid video interview with TMZ, Cain voiced his skepticism about James Gunn's vision for Superman, questioning the increasing influence of "woke" culture in Hollywood. He stated, “How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?”
Cain continued his critique by drawing parallels with Disney's reinterpretation of iconic characters, such as Snow White. He lamented the shift from Superman’s traditional motto of “truth, justice, and the American way” to the more recent tagline, “truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.” According to Cain, this alteration signifies a troubling trend of changing beloved characters, which he believes is not in the best interest of fans or the integrity of the stories.
In his remarks, Cain emphasized the importance of the "American way," describing it as immigrant-friendly but also highlighted the necessity of having limits. He stated, “You can’t come in saying, ‘I want to get rid of all the rules in America, because I want it to be more like Somalia.’” Cain argues that while America is known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, there must be regulations in place to maintain societal stability.
In contrast, James Gunn, the director of the upcoming Superman film, previously articulated his belief that Superman embodies the story of America as an immigrant. He noted, “Superman is the story of America... it says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.” This perspective sparked backlash from certain groups, including those aligned with far-right, anti-immigrant sentiments.
Cain responded to the backlash surrounding Gunn’s comments, stating, “I feel we are in a bad situation here now because it’s being stoked by politicians and NGOs that have a political agenda.” He argued that integrating politics into Superman's narrative risks alienating audiences and could negatively impact box office performance. Despite his reservations, Cain expressed initial excitement for the film, noting that it appeared to possess a sense of humor that previous adaptations lacked.
At the premiere of the new Superman film, Gunn and cast members were confronted with questions about the controversy. Gunn downplayed the situation, asserting, “I think this movie is for everyone. I don’t have anything to say to anybody.” Meanwhile, Sean Gunn, who portrays the villain Maxwell Lord, responded directly to the backlash, stating, “Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants. And if you don’t like that, you’re not American.”
The latest Superman film, set to hit theaters on July 11, features David Corenswet in the titular role. Early reviews, such as one from Rolling Stone, have praised the film for its unique approach, stating, “What Gunn has pulled off is... a Superman movie that actually feels like a living, breathing comic book.” As anticipation builds, it remains to be seen how the film will resonate with both fans and critics alike.
