Dean Cain's Kryptonite? Superman Reboot Sparks "Woke" War!

Dean Cain vs. 'Superman'?: Cain Cries 'Woke' After Gunn Calls Hero an Immigrant

The debate around Superman's identity has taken an unexpected turn, with Dean Cain, known for his role in "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," expressing concerns over James Gunn's vision of the iconic hero. Cain questions how "woke" Hollywood will make the character, particularly in relation to Gunn's interpretation of Superman as an immigrant story.

In a recent conversation with TMZ, Cain, who brilliantly portrayed Clark Kent/Superman in the popular 1990s TV series, reacted to comments made by filmmaker James Gunn. Gunn stated in an interview with the London Times that "Superman is the story of America," describing him as "an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country." Gunn's upcoming film, starring David Corenswet, aims to highlight the importance of basic human kindness, a value Gunn believes society has lost.

Cain, while acknowledging he hasn't seen Gunn's film, criticized the concept of altering established characters, suggesting instead the creation of new, original ones. He emphasized that Superman has traditionally represented "truth, justice, and the American way," a sentiment he feels is being challenged.

Here are some key points from Cain's perspective:

• Concerns about political commentary: Cain believes Gunn's "immigrant thing" comment was a mistake.
• Support for legal immigration: He stressed that while America is "tremendously immigrant-friendly," there should be rules and limits in place.
• Critique of villainizing law enforcement: Cain questioned why agencies like ICE and CBP are being criticized for enforcing existing laws.

Gunn's comments have surfaced amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension, particularly concerning immigration policies. It's worth noting that Gunn has been openly critical of President Trump, whose administration has implemented strict measures on immigration.

On the other hand, Gunn's vision for Superman emphasizes:

• Human kindness: Highlighting it as a fundamental value.
• Immigrant narrative: Framing Superman's story as a reflection of the American immigrant experience.

Gunn's "Superman" features a star-studded cast, including Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and others. Initial reviews, such as the one by Times film critic Amy Nicholson, suggest the film is a thought-provoking take on the superhero, prompting curiosity about the character's future journey.

The debate has even reached the White House, with a social media post featuring Trump's face superimposed on Superman's body. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office retorted with the pointed remark: "Superman was an undocumented immigrant."

Ultimately, the clash between Cain's traditional view and Gunn's modern interpretation sparks an important conversation about representation, identity, and the evolving nature of iconic characters. Whether Gunn's "Superman" will resonate with audiences remains to be seen, but it's clear that this latest iteration has already ignited a passionate and multifaceted discussion.

Tags: Dean Cain, Superman, James Gunn, woke Hollywood, immigrant story, David Corenswet, Man of Steel, Lois & Clark, Trump, politics

Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-07-11/dean-cain-superman-woke-james-gunn