Latest news with #Superwoke
Buzz Feed
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
People Are Telling Donald Trump To Go To Hell For This Superman Meme
The new Superman movie is out! Fox News has been railing on it, calling it "Superwoke." Kellyanne Conway said, and I quote: "We don't go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have someone throw their ideology on, I wonder if it will be successful." Regardless of their lol'y hate, the movie currently holds a solid 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. One person who wants to capitalize on its success is, of course, Donald Trump. His official account sent this out today: Yeah, folks aren't loving this one. People are calling it super cringey. Other people are calling it corny: "This shit so corny bruh." And this guy from Norway asked, "WHAT IN THE HOLY HELL HAPPENED AMERICA?" Then you have the people calling out the hypocrisy of it all because, technically, Superman was born on Krypton and sent to Earth as a baby, making him an illegal alien. "ICE would be all over Superman if he crash landed today." Thoughts? Feelings? Concerns? Are you seeing Superman, or is it way too Superwoke?
Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Amid political backlash, Canada's Nathan Fillion says Superman's true power is hope
In an age of endless remakes and superhero fatigue, Nathan Fillion says he isn't sure the world needs another Superman movie. But he's certain it needs what the new one represents. 'I think all the Superman iterations have had incredible value. I love them all. This one harkens back to the comic books, the very core idea of what Superman stands for: it's about hope, it's about choosing kindness,' says the Edmonton-born actor, who plays the Green Lantern in the James Gunn-made reboot of the DC Universe franchise. 'I think that message is well-timed right now. Do we need another Superman movie? I don't know, but do we need a message of hope and kindness? I will say yes.' 'Superman,' soaring into theatres Friday, is the latest film to take on Krypton's last son. David Corenswet stars as the titular hero, an alien with godlike powers trying to do good in a world that's increasingly suspicious of his motives. As distrust mounts, tech mogul Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, exploits the paranoia, painting Superman as a threat. The film has faced backlash from right-wing pundits following a recent interview where Gunn told 'The Sunday Times of London' that the story is about 'an immigrant that came from other places' and might offend some because it focuses on 'human kindness.' On a Fox News segment titled 'Superwoke,' host Kellyanne Conway objected, arguing audiences 'don't go to the movie theatre to be lectured to.' Fillion's response to the outrage is one of empathy. 'When I hear that, I simply think somebody needs a hug and to remember it's just a movie,' he says on a call Wednesday from Los Angeles. 'I mean, I saw the movie. I don't know how political it was.' Still, Gunn's film mirrors real-world anxieties: Luthor is a power-hungry billionaire pulling government strings, citizens are divided by disinformation, and the story opens with a lopsided war raging between two fictional nations. Joining Superman are the Green Lantern, Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi's Mister Terrific — a trio of metahumans known as the Justice Gang, who stand alongside him to protect humanity. Fillion is the first actor to bring the Guy Gardner version of the Green Lantern to the big screen — a cocky, obnoxious fan-favourite from the comics who stands apart from the more straight-laced Lanterns who came before him, such as Hal Jordan, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2011 film 'Green Lantern.' 'What I like about him is the idea that you don't have to be good to be a Green Lantern. You just have to be fearless,' he says. Fillion, who got his start on the soap 'One Life to Live' and found cult fame with Joss Whedon's early-aughts drama 'Firefly,' says at the beginning of his career he gravitated toward 'flawless' characters because he wanted to be well liked. 'I was really, really wrong about that,' he says. 'No one can relate to someone who is perfect, and no one likes a guy who is perfect. We like people who are flawed, because we can relate to that. We are, all of us, flawed.' That realization has helped shape much of Fillion's career, as he's played charmingly imperfect heroes including a smug crime novelist on 2010s dramedy 'Castle' and an everyman cop on police procedural 'The Rookie,' which just wrapped its seventh season. As Gardner, he sports a hairdo audiences may not be used to seeing him in: a blond bowl cut. Fillion says he fought for the look as producers considered other styles. 'I was team bowl cut all the way. It is canon. I think if we didn't do it, we were going to hear about it,' he says. 'It says a lot about Guy Gardner. When you see a guy walking down the street with a bowl cut, he clearly does not care what you think.' 'Superman' is seen as the true kickoff for James Gunn's revamped DC Universe under his leadership at DC Studios. Fillion, who previously worked with Gunn on 2021's 'The Suicide Squad' and 2023's 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,' says he's all-in on the new DCU. He will be reprising his role as Gardner in the forthcoming series 'Lanterns' and the second season of 'Peacemaker,' both on Max. He says he'd be up for starring in a stand-alone Justice Gang movie. 'If I get the chance, I'll ride this one until it's in the ground. It'll be fantastic,' he says. Fillion says he always hopes 'nobody's a jerk' when he starts a new project, but Gunn is 'incredible' at vetting the people he works with. As a result, he's formed bonds with many actors he's 'come to love as people.' 'They hate it when I say this, but we don't just walk away friends. We walk away super friends.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Yes, Superman is an immigrant. He's also a gay icon.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's an immigrant! And, a queer icon. James Gunn's new Superman movie is just around the corner, and it's already igniting debate across the internet about superheroes and what they represent. Starring David Corenswet as the titular Man of Steel, Superman tells the story of an alien from the planet Krypton who landed on Earth as a baby and now possesses incredible powers. It seems like a simple premise, yet the film is making headlines after writer/director Gunn pointed out something obvious: Superman is an immigrant. "I mean, Superman is the story of America," he 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." Fox News immediately dubbed Superman "Superwoke." Commentator Kellyanne Conway said, "We don't go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have someone throw their ideology onto us." "You know what it says on his cape? MS13," Jesse Watters added, referencing alleged gang tattoos a man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia had on his knuckles that were used as evidence he should be deported. Dean Cain, a conservative actor who played Superman on the TV show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has now added his two cents. "Changing beloved characters I don't think is a great idea. I think if you wanna create a new character, go ahead and do that, but for me, Superman has always stood for truth, justice, and the American way," he said to TMZ. "And the American way is immigrant-friendly — tremendously immigrant-friendly, but there are rules." Cain said, "It was a mistake by James Gunn to say it's an immigrant thing," and that he's rooting for the film's success, "but I don't like that last political comment." Conservatives are angry enough hearing the fact that Superman was not born in the U.S.A., so what will they think when they realize that the character is also a gay allegory? Here are four ways Superman is, and has always been, a queer allegory. Gay people know intimately what it's like to keep a secret from everyone around you. Many also often understand what it's like to feel you have to live a double life. The concept of a secret identity is a clear allegory for being in the closet and for the idea of "passing." Many queer people feel they have to "pass" as straight or cis while in public to protect their true identity and protect their safety. "It is for many reasons we often hold onto our secret identities," trans writer Riley Chattin wrote in The Advocate. "Whether our secrets are self-imposed, or we are told that we should never disclose it, we learn that it must remain hidden behind the exterior that society accepts. Only in the dark of night, like Batman, do we go out with completely different clothes. Maybe even hide our faces in a webbed Spider-Man-like mask so those closest to us cannot recognize us." When Gunn talks about Superman being an immigrant, he's talking about him being an outsider. Superman is not like most people. He's not like most men. He knows he is different and has to navigate the world and all his relationships, knowing most people will not be able to relate to significant parts of his life. These same things can often be said for queer people. Queer people are often found in community with each other precisely because they are different. Most of the population is not queer and many people even find understanding queerness to be difficult. If queer people are outsiders, at least superheroes are too. "More than any Superman film before, Man of Steel presents Kent as an outsider, struggling to find his place in a society where he does not see himself reflected," Jase Peeples wrote about the 2013 film. "It's a predicament not unfamiliar to many in the LGBT community -- especially those who grew up in an era before gay characters were commonplace in media, when others like us could be discovered faster than a speeding bullet through the internet." Superman's name declares him as the ultimate man. Superman is handsome, strong, and has a body like the men you'd find in a Tom of Finland drawing. While straight men admire Superman's masculinity, gay men find it both aspirational and hot. Spandex, a bright cape, and the underwear on the outside? Did I describe Superman's costume or an outfit you'd see at any Pride festival? Of course, gay people are often drawn to the fashion sense of superheroes, and Superman's costume is one of the all-time greats! No matter how much conservatives complain, Superman's story is an immigrant story, and it is a queer story. Queer people have always seen themselves in superheroes, and will continue to do so. If conservatives want heroes that don't represent the queer community, they need to look elsewhere. James Gunn's Superman will be released in theaters on July 11. This article originally appeared on Out: Yes, Superman is an immigrant. He's also a gay icon. 10 Gay Actors Who Would Be Perfect For James Gunn's 'Superman' Movie Matt Bomer lost 'Superman' movie role after being outed as a gay man 'Superman': Nicholas Hoult 'felt warm and safe' in David Corenswet's arms
Global News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Amid political backlash, Nathan Fillion says Superman's true power is hope and kindness
In an age of endless remakes and superhero fatigue, Nathan Fillion says he isn't sure the world needs another Superman movie. But he's certain it needs what the new one represents. 'I think all the Superman iterations have had incredible value. I love them all. This one harkens back to the comic books, the very core idea of what Superman stands for: it's about hope, it's about choosing kindness,' says the Edmonton-born actor, who plays the Green Lantern in the James Gunn-made reboot of the DC Universe franchise. 'I think that message is well-timed right now. Do we need another Superman movie? I don't know, but do we need a message of hope and kindness? I will say yes.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think that message is well-timed right now. Do we need another Superman movie? I don't know, but do we need a message of hope and kindness? I will say yes." Superman, soaring into theatres Friday, is the latest film to take on Krypton's last son. David Corenswet stars as the titular hero, an alien with godlike powers trying to do good in a world that's increasingly suspicious of his motives. Story continues below advertisement As distrust mounts, tech mogul Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, exploits the paranoia, painting Superman as a threat. The film has faced backlash from right-wing pundits following a recent interview where Gunn told 'The Sunday Times of London' that the story is about 'an immigrant that came from other places' and might offend some because it focuses on 'human kindness.' 4:46 Superman: David Corenswet says some Lex Luthor scenes were 'too evil' to make film On a Fox News segment titled 'Superwoke,' host Kellyanne Conway objected, arguing audiences 'don't go to the movie theatre to be lectured to.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Fillion's response to the outrage is one of empathy. 'When I hear that, I simply think somebody needs a hug and to remember it's just a movie,' he says on a call Wednesday from Los Angeles. Story continues below advertisement 'I mean, I saw the movie. I don't know how political it was.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I mean, I saw the movie. I don't know how political it was." Still, Gunn's film mirrors real-world anxieties: Luthor is a power-hungry billionaire pulling government strings, citizens are divided by disinformation, and the story opens with a lopsided war raging between two fictional nations. Joining Superman are the Green Lantern, Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi's Mister Terrific — a trio of metahumans known as the Justice Gang, who stand alongside him to protect humanity. 4:05 New Superman trailer reveals DC universe's iconic characters Fillion is the first actor to bring the Guy Gardner version of the Green Lantern to the big screen — a cocky, obnoxious fan-favourite from the comics who stands apart from the more straight-laced Lanterns who came before him, such as Hal Jordan, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2011 film Green Lantern. 'What I like about him is the idea that you don't have to be good to be a Green Lantern. You just have to be fearless,' he says. Story continues below advertisement Fillion, who got his start on the soap opera One Life to Live and found cult fame with Joss Whedon's early-aughts drama Firefly, says at the beginning of his career he gravitated toward 'flawless' characters because he wanted to be well liked. 'I was really, really wrong about that,' he says. 'No one can relate to someone who is perfect, and no one likes a guy who is perfect. We like people who are flawed, because we can relate to that. We are, all of us, flawed.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "No one can relate to someone who is perfect, and no one likes a guy who is perfect. We like people who are flawed, because we can relate to that. We are, all of us, flawed." That realization has helped shape much of Fillion's career, as he's played charmingly imperfect heroes including a smug crime novelist on 2010s dramedy Castle and an everyman cop on police procedural The Rookie, which just wrapped its seventh season. 2:05 Alberta forest group snags actor Nathan Fillion as host of virtual outdoor tour As Gardner, he sports a hairdo audiences may not be used to seeing him in: a blond bowl cut. Fillion says he fought for the look as producers considered other styles. Story continues below advertisement 'I was team bowl cut all the way. It is canon. I think if we didn't do it, we were going to hear about it,' he says. 'It says a lot about Guy Gardner. When you see a guy walking down the street with a bowl cut, he clearly does not care what you think.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It says a lot about Guy Gardner. When you see a guy walking down the street with a bowl cut, he clearly does not care what you think." Superman is seen as the true kickoff for James Gunn's revamped DC Universe under his leadership at DC Studios. Fillion, who previously worked with Gunn on 2021's The Suicide Squad and 2023's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, says he's all-in on the new DCU. He will be reprising his role as Gardner in the forthcoming series Lanterns and the second season of Peacemaker, both on Max. He says he'd be up for starring in a stand-alone Justice Gang movie. 'If I get the chance, I'll ride this one until it's in the ground. It'll be fantastic,' he says. Fillion says he always hopes 'nobody's a jerk' when he starts a new project, but Gunn is 'incredible' at vetting the people he works with. As a result, he's formed bonds with many actors he's 'come to love as people.' 'They hate it when I say this, but we don't just walk away friends. We walk away super friends.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They hate it when I say this, but we don't just walk away friends. We walk away super friends."
Axios
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Why the new "Superman" movie became right-wing kryptonite
Superman might've found romance with reporter Lois Lane, but the newest adaptation of the Man of Steel is getting no love from right-leaning media. The big picture: The hero's origin story, arriving on Earth from a dying planet, has long been compared to the story of refugees or immigrants — a connection the film's writer and director, James Gunn, recently endorsed. The film, which is set to release on Friday, has become a political flashpoint amid President Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown that has inspired nationwide protests and numerous lawsuits. Context: For Gunn, the newest installment of the Superman franchise is "the story of America." Speaking to The Times, Gunn described the story as one of "[a]n 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, also the co-CEO of DC Studios, is far from the first person to draw that connection. DC Comics, honoring World Refugee Day in 2019, said the story of the superhero, created by two men born to Jewish immigrants, "is the ultimate example of a refugee who makes his new home better." According to a DC timeline, the beloved hero's arrival on Earth was briefly described in his first comic appearance in 1938, where it was explained that a scientist on "a distant planet ... destroyed by old age" sent his son to his new home planet on a spaceship. Friction point: But Gunn's take received swift backlash from the right. Greg Gutfeld, in a Monday segment on Fox News Channel's "The Five" featuring the chyron "Superwoke," described Gunn's comments as a "terrible analogy." Kellyanne Conway also weighed in, saying, "We don't go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology on to us." And Jesse Watters added, "You know what it says on his cape? MS-13." Podcaster Ben Shapiro, in a video titled "Superman is Going WOKE - You Know What That Means...," said Gunn was "fine" for a prior superhero film — Guardians of the Galaxy — but described Superman as "more serious property." Shapiro criticized the "left in Hollywood" as out of touch with the everyday American. Right-wing commentator Tim Pool also weighed in, by responding to Gunn's brother, actor Sean Gunn (who also stars in Superman), after he expressed his support for immigrants. "We know when they say immigrant, they mean illegal immigrant," Pool said in an Instagram video. He added the comments were another example of the Gunn brothers "insulting the right" ahead of film's release — though Pool said he'd still see the movie. Widely followed X-account End Wokeness shared a screenshot of a headline featuring James Gunn's comments with the caption, "Hollywood literally never learns." Zoom out: Gunn's Superman joins a group of new adaptations of classic characters who have been criticized as "woke," such as Disney's live-action versions of The Little Mermaid and Snow White, which also sparked a wave of racist reactions. And this isn't the first time Superman — or other comic book characters — have angered those on the right. In 2021, DC's announcement that Superman's catchphrase would be evolving in a more globally inclusive way to "Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow" (formerly "Truth, Justice and the American way") inspired similar ire. That same year, the news that Superman's son would come out as bisexual in a comic was also not received well by voices on the right, though his was far from the first LGBTQ + comic-book story. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has also been the target of anti-woke backlash, with female-led films like Captain Marvel and The Marvels caught in the crosshairs. The other side: James Gunn brushed off the criticism his comments spawned, telling Variety he thinks the movie is for "everybody," adding, "I don't have anything to say." He added, "I think this is a movie about kindness, and I think that's something everyone can relate to." Nathan Fillion, who portrays Green Lantern in the film, replied with a laugh and a smile, saying, "Somebody needs a hug. It's just a movie, guys."
