Dean Cain, renowned for his role as Clark Kent in the iconic television series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” has expressed his concerns over the latest portrayal of the beloved superhero. In a recent interview with TMZ, the 58-year-old actor questioned the direction of the character, particularly in light of comments made by filmmaker James Gunn. Cain's skepticism revolves around Gunn's assertion that Superman represents the immigrant experience in America, prompting him to ask, “How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?”
James Gunn, the director of the new Superman film, has described the iconic character as “an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country.” He believes that his film, featuring David Corenswet in the title role, primarily conveys a message about human kindness—a theme he feels is increasingly neglected in contemporary society. Gunn's perspective comes at a time when immigration policies under the Trump administration have led to significant enforcement actions, with nearly 2,700 undocumented individuals arrested since June 6, as reported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In his critique, Cain has not yet seen the new film but voiced strong opposition to the idea of changing beloved characters. He advocates for the creation of original characters instead of altering established ones. Reflecting on his time as Superman, Cain noted that he was the fourth actor to don the iconic red boots, following in the footsteps of Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, and Christopher Reeve. He emphasized that Superman has always symbolized “truth, justice, and the American way,” highlighting the importance of an immigration policy that is both welcoming and regulated.
Dean Cain articulated his belief in the necessity of enforcing limits on immigration, warning that failing to do so could lead to societal failure. He questioned the negative portrayal of immigration agents and federal enforcement agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who are tasked with upholding the laws established by elected representatives. Cain remarked on the troubling incidents where masked immigration agents have forcibly detained individuals, which have sparked public outcry.
Cain expressed concern that Gunn’s comments might adversely affect the film’s performance at the box office. He acknowledged his anticipation for the new interpretation of Superman but maintained that he disagrees with the political framing presented by Gunn. As James Gunn’s “Superman” hits theaters, it features a star-studded cast including Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.
In her review, Times film critic Amy Nicholson noted, “This isn’t quite the heart-soaring ‘Superman’ I wanted. But these adventures wise him up enough that I’m curious to explore where the saga takes him next.” The film has ignited discussions surrounding its political implications, particularly after the White House shared a digitally altered poster featuring Trump’s face superimposed onto Superman’s body. This move drew a sharp response from California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office, emphasizing the ongoing intersection of politics and popular culture.
