Before the recent release of the new Superman film, James Gunn described the character’s journey as fundamentally connected to the story of America, highlighting Superman’s immigrant identity. This perspective, captured in his words about the Man of Steel being
“an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country,”
has sparked debate amid ongoing discussions around the DC Universe reboot. Despite criticism and some media outlets misrepresenting his view, Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar have publicly defended Gunn’s interpretation, emphasizing that Superman’s immigrant background is essential to understanding the hero’s narrative.
Context on the Backlash and Showrunners’ Perspective
Following Gunn’s comments, certain commentators, including Fox News and actor Dean Cain, voiced disapproval, framing the immigrant aspect as a controversial political stance rather than a storytelling element. In a recent discussion with Josh Horowitz, the creators of Smallville admitted they had not yet seen Gunn’s Superman movie but expressed strong support for his portrayal of the character. They noted that themes surrounding immigration have been central in their own work with Smallville, and the responses they received back then reflect the ongoing tension around these ideas.
Smallville’s Exploration of Immigration Themes
Miles Millar detailed how his team regarded Superman as “the ultimate illegal alien,” a metaphor that felt inherent to the character’s legacy. He found it surprising that Gunn’s articulation of this idea generated controversy, as it was “so embedded” in Superman’s story to begin with. Their past episodes had already touched on similar subjects; Al Gough recalled a 2006 Smallville episode where they directly addressed immigration-related issues. Despite concerns from the network about the political nature of the content, the creators insisted that this was intrinsic to Superman’s narrative.
Superman’s Enduring Symbolism and Narrative Power
Gough reflected on the network’s hesitation at the time, recounting how their storytelling choices centered around Clark Kent discovering a boy working on a farm, alluding to immigrant experiences. Millar further emphasized that the continued discomfort around viewing Superman’s story through the lens of immigration underscores the character’s ongoing cultural significance. He described this controversial element as core to the power of Superman’s legacy, linking it to the ideals of the American dream and various “elements of Americana.”
The Foundational Immigrant Identity of Superman
Superman’s origin story, dating back to his debut in 1938, has always emphasized his status as an alien refugee from Krypton who chose Earth as his home. This immigrant identity has been a defining characteristic throughout the decades. In today’s sociopolitical environment, it is notable that this fundamental truth remains subject to misinterpretation and politicization. Both the Smallville creators and James Gunn agree that framing Superman’s immigrant roots as merely controversial is misguided; rather, it is the very foundation upon which the character’s mythology and enduring appeal are built.
