James Gunn’s new Superman movie is shaping up to be another Hollywood misfire, trading classic heroism for messy modern politics. The film, set to release July 2025, promises a Superman “reconciling his heritage” with his human upbringing. But early glimpses suggest it’s less about truth and justice and more about pushing a divisive agenda. Conservatives know Superman as the ultimate symbol of American values—strength, integrity, and selfless service. Yet this reboot seems more interested in deconstructing the Man of Steel than celebrating him.
David Corenswet’s Superman appears conflicted, burdened by existential angst instead of inspiring hope. The trailer hints at a world skeptical of heroism, where even Lex Luthor lectures Superman about “fear of what you might become.” This isn’t the confident, moral leader we need—it’s a woke parable about power and distrust. James Gunn’s track record with edgy humor and subversive storytelling doesn’t inspire confidence. Remember the jarring tone shifts in The Suicide Squad? Now imagine that applied to Superman.
The casting choices raise eyebrows too. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane feels like a token “strong female character” rather than a compelling partner. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, styled as a tech-bro villain, mirrors real-world elites who lecture ordinary people about their flaws. Meanwhile, the plot borrows heavily from darker DC comics, prioritizing gritty “realism” over the aspirational idealism that made Superman iconic.
Hollywood’s obsession with reimagining classics through a partisan lens continues to alienate fans. Instead of a unifying hero, we’re getting a fractured symbol of today’s cultural divisions. Superman’s red-and-blue suit might as well be a political flag in this climate. If the filmmakers wanted to honor the character’s legacy, they’d focus on his timeless virtues—not trendy grievances.
The movie’s emphasis on Superman’s “struggle” with identity feels out of touch. Audiences crave stories about unwavering principles, not heroes bogged down by self-doubt. Ben Shapiro and others have warned about this trend: when storytellers prioritize messaging over mythmaking, they drain the magic from our myths. Superman shouldn’t be a vehicle for lectures—he should be a beacon of hope.
Early footage shows Superman battling generic CGI monsters, a far cry from the meaningful conflicts that defined older films. Where’s the moral clarity of Man of Steel’s Zod showdown? Instead, we get flashy visuals masking a hollow core. The decision to include Krypto the Superdog feels like a cheap ploy for nostalgia, not a sincere nod to fans.
Conservatives understand that stories matter. They shape how we see virtue, sacrifice, and community. This Superman risks reducing a beloved icon to a pawn in culture wars. It’s a reminder that Hollywood’s creative class often misunderstands what made these characters endure: they weren’t broken—they were aspirational.
In the end, James Gunn’s vision seems destined to please critics but divide audiences. For those who value tradition, this Superman looks like another missed opportunity. Instead of lifting us up, it drags a hero down into the muck of modern cynicism. Truth, justice, and the American way deserve better.
