James Gunn’s Superman is more than another superhero epic.
The DC Studios head opened up about the upcoming film, explaining to the Times of London the themes and ideas at the core of Superman.
“I mean, Superman is the story of America,” Gunn said. “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.”
Gunn shared that the themes can be interpreted differently, based on people’s politics, particularly as immigration issues have been making headlines in the US. He doesn’t care, however, if anyone is offended by the DC film.
“Yes, it plays differently, but it’s about human kindness, and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them,” he said.
He continued, “Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level, it’s about morality. Do you never kill, no matter what—which is what Superman believes—or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”
Superman arrives July 11, and stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.
