James Gunn has officially changed Superman’s long-held motto for the upcoming film, shifting from “the American way” to “the human way,” signaling an effort to update the iconic character’s message for the present day. This development has been confirmed through merchandise leaks and public comments, as Gunn steers the DC Studios project toward modern audiences while preserving Superman’s essential themes of truth and justice.
Superman’s New Motto Emerges
The new approach became public when character merchandise surfaced online featuring the altered slogan. A toy box displaying an image resembling David Corenswet, who plays Superman, contained the phrase positioning the hero as
“the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way.”
This direct mention hinted at James Gunn’s intention to move away from Superman’s historic line and address what some interpret as ‘modern sensibilities.’ The swap quickly caught fans’ attention, generating widespread discussion across platforms such as Cosmic Book News and social media.
Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way, he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned,
—Resin Figure Box Description
Origins of “The American Way” in Superman Lore
The phrase
“truth, justice, and the American way”
has a notable history. It first appeared in Superman radio dramas in the 1940s, gaining even stronger association through George Reeves’s television portrayal in The Adventures of Superman a decade later. These words became an essential part of the character’s mythos, cementing their place for generations of fans and media adaptations. However, as debate over the slogan’s relevance emerged, critiques have pointed out its distinctly national focus, raising questions about Superman as a universal symbol.
Creative Choices and Studio Direction
James Gunn’s direct involvement in merchandise approval, as noted by Matt McGloin of CBN, leaves little doubt that this shift comes straight from DC Studios leadership. Gunn previously acknowledged via Threads that merchandise descriptions fall under his purview, showing little concern over spoilers. There is evidence that Warner Bros. and Gunn had at one time considered keeping the original motto, as a 2023 Deadline preview referenced “the American way” when the film still carried the “Legacy” subtitle. Adjustments since that time reflect a decision to distance the current production from legacy phrasing.
If the tagline introducing Superman as “truth, justice & the human way” is official, then that’s a nice, new & obvious transition that’s makes ya think “how didn’t I think of that first?” Well done! pic.twitter.com/D0xOtQasKv
—Sam ‘Moses, Twitter user
Political Interpretations and Fan Response
Reactions to Gunn’s update remain mixed and reflect wider cultural divides. Some interpret this change as aligning Superman with global values rather than tying him solely to American ideals. Commentary expressed concern that the update may play into ongoing political debates, potentially fueling perceptions of anti-American sentiment, while others see it as a timely and thoughtful reimagining that maintains Superman’s role as a champion for all humanity. The franchise has faced similar controversies before, notably with The Quest for Peace, and seems poised to evoke discussion once again.
Sources mention that story elements include the public turning against Superman because of fabricated news and a digital onslaught, as well as speculation about subtle references to The Snyder Cut. These nods connect the upcoming film to DC’s broader history while exploring new social themes pertinent in today’s world.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Superman
This high-profile change in Superman’s motto by James Gunn—directly reflected in new merchandise and storyline hints—marks a key moment for both the character and DC Studios. The decision invites audiences to reconsider what Superman stands for in a rapidly changing society. As James Gunn helms this project, details suggest the film will continue to wrestle with themes of dual heritage, journalistic integrity—highlighted by Lois, played by Rachel Brosnahan—and the impact of media narratives. With David Corenswet inhabiting the suit, the spotlight will remain on how truth, justice, and the human way resonate both in Kansas and across the globe, shaping Superman’s journey for a new generation.
