Does James Gunn's Superman make a subtle commentary on Israel-Ghaza war: Explained

India Today

11-07-2025

Actor David Corenswet's sci-fi action-drama 'Superman' has fuelled a debate over its subtle political messaging. Even though director James Gunn hasn't mentioned making any real-life references, a section of the audience has a different interpretation.Some recent posts on X have commented on the suggestive narrative of 'Superman', which revolves around the Israel-Gaza war. A user remarked that the film has a well-crafted narrative around the Middle Eastern conflict. The post read, "I loved Superman, even the things I criticised in the trailers. James Gunn was so brave to make a Middle Eastern conflict the driving force of a superhero blockbuster. All I could see was Israel (Boravia), Palestine (Jarhanpur), and the United States (Lex Luthor) (sic)."advertisementAnother user wrote, "Thank you, James Gunn. I know you'll ignore this, but thank you for not only a great Superman movie but that extra nod...hint...Palestine (sic)."
An X user's long post read, "'Superman' is a powerful and clear commentary on the senseless genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and parodies the inhumanity of the world and Israel against them. It's a film about humanity and how, no matter who we are, we all share humanity (sic)."It further read, "It's a beautiful and much-needed film and I never expected to feel so much during it. You're all in for an absolute treat. And to the certain crowd that is going to hate the movie for its political messaging, how can there be a problem with saying that we're all human and that we shouldn't mindlessly hate one another? This is 'Superman'. And Gunn gets it (sic)."
X users drew parallels between the conflict shown in 'Superman' and Israel-Gaza war. (Credit: X)
James Gunn's subtle commentary on border conflictThe film begins with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) interviewing Superman (Corenswet) after he prevents Boravia, a United States (US) ally, from invading its neighbouring country, Jarhanpur. 'Superman' depicts Boravia as a country which has a well-equipped military with US support, while Jarhanpur doesn't have enough resources to defend itself.The trailer for the superhero film shows the Boravian army marching with tanks and soldiers carrying assault rifles, while the Jarhanpur citizens are unarmed and trying to save their lives. The Boravians are portrayed as ethnically white, while the Jarhanpurians are non-white.The nation of Boravia has plans to displace the indigenous Jarhanpurians and expand the Boravian state. Certain sequences of the war zone in 'Superman' also have striking similarities with the Israel-Gaza war.During the debate between Lois and Superman, the former argues that an unchecked Jarhanpur could lead to further bloodshed, as reported by The National. Superman, in his response, states that, irrespective of the tensions, restoring peace was the only alternative to save innocent lives. Lois's argument somehow draws parallels to the criticism of Hamas. Immigrant narrative in 'Superman'Gunn, in an earlier interview with The Times of London, had stated that 'Superman' was a story about an immigrant. He said, "I mean, 'Superman' is the story of America (sic)." He further 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 (sic)."advertisementHis remarks were interpreted as a direct comment on US President Donald Trump's immigration policy. Dean Cain, former Superman from 'Lois and Clark' (1993-1997), criticised Gunn for being too woke with the character. Cain, in an interview with TMZ, said, "Superman has always stood for 'truth, justice and the American way,' and the 'American way' is immigrant-friendly, tremendously immigrant-friendly (sic)."Apart from the Trump administration, the appearance of Boravian leader Vasil Glarkos, played by Zlatko Buric, resembles Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Glarkos is shown to have ties with the antagonist Lex Luthor portrayed by Nicholas Hoult.The online theories have also been linked to a 2016 statement by 'Superman' comic book writer John Byrne. In an interview with Daily Beast, he said, "Of course, Donald Trump was our model (sic)."Even though there have been mixed reactions to the politics in 'Superman', the presence of geopolitics in the superhero film is undeniable. The film is backed by DC Studios, Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company.'Superman' was released on July 11, 2025, in theatres in India.- EndsMust Watch