Superman has always been more than just a cape, a logo, and a pair of red boots. For decades, the character has symbolized hope, justice, and the ultimate fight for humanity’s better nature. But in 2025, Superman is sparking a cultural firestorm before audiences have even had time to digest their popcorn.

At the heart of the controversy is James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios and the creative mind behind this bold reboot. Ahead of the movie’s release, Gunn described Superman as “an immigrant that came from other places.” For some, the remark was a poignant reminder of the hero’s origins: an alien sent to Earth, raised with compassion, embodying the immigrant dream. But for others — including former Superman actor Dean Cain — it was a step too far.

Dean Cain’s Pushback

Cain, who donned the cape in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman during the 1990s, did not mince words when asked by TMZ about Gunn’s comments.

“It was a mistake by James Gunn to say it’s an immigrant thing,” Cain said bluntly. “I was excited for the film. I’m still excited to see what it is, because James Gunn seems to have a sense of humor and the last iterations of Superman didn’t have much humor. So I’m rooting for it to be a success. But I don’t like that last political comment.”

For Cain, Superman should be a story that transcends politics. And he’s not alone. Online, critics accused Gunn of injecting “culture war rhetoric” into what should have been a universal story of heroism.

But as the noise grew louder, one voice cut through the negativity with striking clarity — and defiance.

Whoopi Goldberg Enters the Fight

On Thursday’s episode of The View, Emmy and Oscar-winning icon Whoopi Goldberg made it clear she wasn’t buying the outrage. Sitting across from David Corenswet — the fresh-faced actor stepping into the legendary role — Goldberg delivered a monologue that stunned even her co-hosts.

“I felt myself getting annoyed, and I couldn’t figure out what was happening,” Goldberg admitted. “And what it was was I forgot what kindness looked like, and I kept waiting for Superman to become quippy, and he’s not that. He’s never been that.”

Her words resonated with something deeper. For Goldberg, the brilliance of Gunn’s Superman isn’t in the spectacle of CGI battles or the politics swirling around it — but in the reminder of what true kindness looks like in a fractured world.

“So I fell in love with you as Superman,” she told Corenswet, visibly emotional. “Chris Reeve was a friend, and so [the new movie] allowed me to just kind of question myself. Why didn’t I recognize the kindness? I was waiting for you to turn into somebody you had never been. I know it sounds crazy, but it knocked me for a loop because I thought, Oh, that’s right. He’s nice and he’s kind and he’s different.”

Critics Divided, Audiences United

As of this week, Superman sits at a solid 82% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a respectable figure given the cultural baggage surrounding the Man of Steel. But the real story lies with the audience: a staggering 96% of moviegoers gave it their stamp of approval.

The message? Audiences don’t just like the movie — they love it. While pundits argue on talk shows and Twitter threads about Gunn’s immigrant analogy, fans are flooding theaters, embracing the film’s sincerity, humor, and heart.

Financially, the film is already on track to be a juggernaut. Industry insiders predict Superman will rake in $120–130 million domestically in its opening weekend, making it one of the strongest DC debuts in years. For a studio desperate for a win after several box office disappointments, that’s nothing short of heroic.

A Battle Over What Superman Means

But the larger question remains: who gets to define Superman?

Is he the symbol of the American dream — a Kansas farm boy raised with heartland values? Or is he the ultimate immigrant story — a refugee from a doomed world, proving that those from “elsewhere” can become humanity’s greatest champions?

James Gunn clearly leans toward the latter, which makes his Superman timely, relevant, and — yes — political. Dean Cain and his supporters insist that Superman should rise above politics altogether.

But Whoopi Goldberg’s defense reframes the debate. By focusing on kindness as Superman’s defining trait, she strips away the noise and points back to something audiences desperately crave: a hero who isn’t cynical, sarcastic, or morally compromised. A hero who is simply good.

The Verdict — and the Future

The clash over Superman’s meaning won’t disappear anytime soon. Every new superhero film seems destined to become a cultural battleground. But if early box office numbers are any indication, audiences may be less concerned with ideological battles and more eager for a Superman who makes them believe again.

In that sense, Goldberg may be right. Superman isn’t just about politics, immigration, or even legacy. It’s about reminding viewers that strength without kindness is hollow — and kindness without courage is powerless.

As David Corenswet’s Superman soars into a new generation, the debate may rage on. But for millions of fans leaving theaters this week with tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts, the verdict is already in.

Superman is back. And this time, kindness wins.