Celebrating this year’s US Independence Day, Superman director James Gunn made an obvious admission as old as time about the stalwart DC Comics icon’s immigrant roots over the Fourth of July weekend. As predictable as it could have been, Donald Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) movement did not like it.

Conservative commentators, some even tied to media outlets like Fox News, jumped on the hate train in unison, scornfully labelling the upcoming DCU Studios cinematic outing “Superwoke.” Here’s how MAGA reviewed the film even before watching it.

Superman backlash: MAGA version

Network anchor Kellyane Conway Gunn’s remarks, turning against the movie altogether. “We don’t go to the movie theatre to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us,” she said. Jesse Watters chimed in, saying, “You know what it says on his cape? MS13,” referring to one of the world’s most brutal gangs born in Los Angeles, but with roots in El Salvador. Similarly, Laura Ingraham re-posted a Variety post quoting James Gunn’s comments about Superman being an immigrant, who came from other places, and wrote, “Another film we won’t be seeing.”

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Many others, who have either long been ignorant about the legendary character’s origins or just feigned ignorance, also joined them in critically torching Superman and the team behind the forthcoming movie in the comments section. Someone even went as far as saying, “I think the original Superman Was a Republican. I bet the new one will be a Dem.”

Superman team tells off MAGA

What James Gunn said about Superman’s character: In his Sunday profile in The Times of London, the former Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker dug into the various themes explored by Superman’s story. Without mincing his words, he stated the obvious by describing the film “the story of America” on a fundamental level.

Given the character’s arc, it essentially revolves around a man trying to build a new life away from what was once his homeland. And so, Gunn spilled, “I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America… An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”

With the power of the Internet amplifying his message across feeds, people representing the MAGA campaign, in their signature style lashed out James Gunn’s words.

The creatives responsible for the new live-action feat have since responded to the criticism directed at the DC tentpole.

Gunn, himself, addressed the severely misplaced response to his remarks while at the Superman premiere at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre on Monday night. He simply responded, saying that the movie set to release in theatres this week is for “everyone” and that he doesn’t have “anything to say to anybody” pushing their negative agenda against the movie.

“I’m not here to judge people,” he told Variety. “I this is a movie about kindness and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”

Actor Nathan Fillion, who takes on the role of Guy Gardner – aka Green Lantern, couldn’t but laugh out loud at the development. “Aw, somebody needs a hug,” he said. Flipping MAGA’s argument upside-down, he sarcastically reiterated the same sentiment: “Just a movie, guys.”

Sean Gunn, a constant presence in his brother James’ films, returns to the big-screen as Maxwell Lord with the 2025 Superman iteration. Even he backed his sibling, while also standing up for immigrants.

“My reaction… i that it is exactly what the movie is about. We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. 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. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way,” the beaming star responded.

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Iconic Superman poster about who is actually ‘Un-American’ resurfaces

Much like the team behind the film, those well-versed with the underlying politics fuelling the character’s writing since forever tried their best to remind MAGA what was what. “Well you realise that he wasn’t born in the US, right? And he didn’t come here legally,” wrote someone.

Another user pointed out how “Superman has been against bigotry since the 50s,” plugging a restored snap of the much-circulated poster from the 1950s. Restoring the “classic message,” the official DCE Editorial reminded people in 2017 how Superman was seen speaking to school children about the importance of respecting diversity.

“… And remember, boys and girls, your school – like our country – is made up of Americans of many different races, religions and national origins. So, if YOU hear anybody talk against a schoolmate or anyone else because of his religion, race or national origin – don’t wait: tell them THAT KIND OF TALK IS UN-AMERICAN.”