Stronger Than a Buller, Softer Than a Heartbeat

In July 2025, James Gunn, acclaimed for his work on Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, embraced a narrative path that many superhero and comic book storytellers have previously shied away from. With Superman: Legacy, Gunn delves into the mythic origins of Superman—Clark Kent, or Kal-El—as an immigrant. He portrays him not merely as an alien or the last son of Krypton with god-like powers, but as a profoundly human character shaped by his outsider identity, his alienness, his otherness, and his difference. This time, his cape doesn't conceal his true nature.

Gunn's highly anticipated Superman: Legacy, slated for release on Friday, July 11th, within DC Studios’ revitalized cinematic universe, is more than a display of strength and flight. It serves as a poignant homage to the immigrant narrative central to the character’s mythology. As Gunn articulated in a recent Deadline interview, Superman “represents someone who is an outsider who came from somewhere else and tries to do the best he can to fit in and make life better for others.”

Essentially, Superman has always embodied the immigrant experience. However, for decades, Hollywood neglected to tell this integral part of his story.

The Myth Beneath the Myth

To grasp Gunn's current direction, we must first revisit Superman's origins.

In 1938, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish sons of Eastern European immigrants, created Superman. At his heart, Superman represented the American Dream as seen from the periphery. Kal-El, his Kryptonian name, is sent by desperate parents from a dying world to find safety and hope in a new one. This narrative echoes countless refugee and immigrant stories throughout American history, from Ellis Island to El Paso, from Warsaw to Aleppo.

Superman isn't just a fighter of injustice; he embodies both cultural assimilation and resistance. Raised in Kansas by Jonathan and Martha Kent, he learns humility, patience, kindness, and restraint. Yet, the enduring tension in his story lies between the "Clark Kent" the world perceives and the "Kal El" who is always present beneath the surface.

As the Library of Congress has examined in its exploration of Superman's copyright history and immigrant roots, the character emerged from trauma and aspiration, serving as a metaphor for those who seek refuge in America and ultimately become integral to its fabric.

James Gunn Gets It.

When superhero films often overwhelm audiences with multiversal chaos and CGI, James Gunn's approach to Superman feels revolutionary. He emphasizes character, focusing on kindness and the journey of an immigrant striving to be their best self in America, as he told The Hollywood Reporter.

While debates may arise over costume changes or casting (with David Corenswet as the new Kal-El), Gunn prioritizes Superman's essence: his radical gentleness, restraint, and empathy. In a world grappling with rising nationalism and fear of "outsiders," positioning Superman—the quintessential "illegal alien"—at the heart of a new cinematic universe signifies a choice for hope over paranoia, and inclusion over exclusion..

Threads of Conversation, Threads of Identity

The online discussion surrounding Superman's portrayal has rapidly gained momentum. On Threads, prominent voices such as Aaron Kondzer and @cdh807 advocate for Superman's return as a "soft power" figure. They argue that his true strength lies not in his physical prowess but in his protective nature.

Kondzer concisely states, "Gunn is daring to remind us that Superman is not just a hero. He’s a refugee success story. And that matters now more than ever." User @cdh807 adds, "Superman isn’t a god trying to play human. He’s a guy trying to be good, raised by humans, torn between worlds. Gunn’s Superman isn’t above us. He’s among us."

This emotional depth is frequently absent in contemporary superhero narratives. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or DC Extended Universe (DCEU) prioritizes spectacle, the stories often become forgettable. James Gunn appears determined to rectify this, envisioning a Superman who not only lifts buildings but also eases burdens.

Refugee, Icon, Inspiration

The International Rescue Committee recently explored Superman's enduring role as a refugee metaphor in American pop culture. He embodies the adopted child, the cultural hybrid, and the bridge between two identities. His true "superpower" lies not in his abilities but in his resilience.

Many refugee children carry similar burdens to Kal-El: survivor's guilt, the fear of never fully belonging, and the pressure to succeed in a society that may not always accept them.

Superman's secret identity extends beyond Clark Kent; it represents every immigrant child who alters their name, conceals their accent, and code-switches in various settings.

James Gunn's reimagining of Superman highlights this immigrant background as a central narrative element rather than mere lore. This reintroduces the character to audiences not as a deity, but as a relatable figure: a neighbor, a citizen, and a friend.

Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow

DC Comics recently updated Superman's motto from "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" to "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow," a change that sparked debate, particularly among those who felt "the American Way" was integral to his identity. However, as James Gunn's film implies, perhaps the true "American Way" acknowledges the diverse origins of its people, recognizing that immigrants, refugees, and dreamers built the nation. In this light, Superman isn't abandoning America but reminding it of its highest ideals.

Krypton Is Real. So Is Kansas.

Superman’s enduring appeal stems from his dual nature: born on Krypton but raised in Smallville. This duality, encompassing both his alien and American identities, his strength and vulnerability, and his status as both outsider and insider, makes him timeless.

James Gunn's decision to present this version of Superman in 2025 may prove prescient. In an increasingly cynical world, Superman's steadfast decency feels rebellious. Furthermore, in a nation that often demonizes immigrants, the narrative of an immigrant who saves humanity is profoundly revolutionary.

Final Flight

For years, Superman faced criticism: too perfect, too boring, too outdated. Perhaps the issue wasn't Superman, but us. We lost sight of his true meaning. Now, thanks to storytellers like James Gunn and the artists, journalists, and fans reinterpreting him through an immigrant lens, we are poised to rediscover it.

Superman embodies mercy, not might. He inspires faith, not fear. He doesn't demand loyalty; he earns it by believing in us when we falter. This is the hero we need, and this is the immigrant story that has always quietly, truthfully, and enduringly defined America.