Latest news with #SeanGunn
Fox News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Original 'Superman' actor says character should be used to 'bring back the American way of life'
One of the stars of the first two "Superman" movies, Jack O'Halloran, told Fox13 Tampa Bay on Tuesday that he believes the legendary superhero should be used to help "bring back the American way of life" as he prepared to watch the newest iteration of the franchise. O'Halloran claimed that, if used correctly, the Man of Steel could help bring back "the all-American way." "Having the statement of the all-American way, bringing back the American way of life and that's what needs to happen," he said. "If they use Superman correctly, they can accomplish that." The former actor and professional boxer played the towering villain "Non," appearing briefly in the first "Superman" movie, and eventually emerging as one of the stars of "Superman II." As noted by Bounding Into Comics, O'Halloran's patriotic vision of Superman's role in America may stand in contrast to recent remarks made by James Gunn, the director of the new "Superman" movie, and his brother, Sean Gunn. Sean Gunn, who plays Maxwell Lord in the 2025 superhero film, defended his brother on Monday after the director took heat for insisting his movie was political and that Superman is an immigrant in an interview with The Times. "Superman is the story of America," James Gunn told the U.K. outlet. "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." He added, "Obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them." While on the red carpet, James Gunn's brother Sean defended the director from "MAGA" people — as Variety described them — being critical of his recent pro-immigrant statements. Neither the interviewer, nor Gunn, made any distinction between legal or illegal immigrants. "My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about," Gunn said. "We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants and if you don't like that, you're not American." Sean Gunn added that "people who say no to immigrants are against the American way." In similar fashion, MIT professor Junot Diaz said in a guest essay for The New York Times that Superman's "overwhelming all-American power" was disturbing, explaining the paradoxical identities associated with the iconic character as an immigrant. "In fact, I was something of the neighborhood anti-Superman," Diaz wrote in his essay, reflecting on his childhood. "From Day 1, dude just rubbed me the wrong way. There was the obvious stuff, like how goofy Superman was as a hero, how ridiculously dated his star-spangled patriotism was — Supes loved a country I'd never seen. My landfill America was way more supervillain territory," he said.
Sky News AU
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
‘You're not American': Sean Gunn hits back at MAGA following Superman movie backlash
Sean Gunn, brother of 'Superman' director James Gunn, has defended his sibling's messaging ahead of the film's release. Sean's message came during the red carpet premiere of the new Superman film on Monday night. During the premiere, Sean Gunn was asked by Variety what his response to the recent backlash from MAGA is. 'My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about. We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants,' he said. 'Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants, and if you don't like that, you're not American.'
Fox News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'Superman' director's brother says anti-immigrant MAGA people are 'against the American way'
The brother of "Superman" director James Gunn, actor Sean Gunn, defended his sibling on Monday night following backlash to the director's recent political messaging about the film. Sean Gunn spoke to Variety from the red-carpet premiere of the latest "Superman" film, stating that anybody in America who is against immigrants is not for America. "People who say no to immigrants are against the American way," he said. Sean Gunn, who plays Maxwell Lord in the upcoming superhero film, defended his brother after the director took heat for insisting his movie was political and that "Superman" is an immigrant in an interview with The Times that was published on Sunday. "Superman is the story of America," James Gunn told the U.K. outlet. "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." The character, first introduced in 1938, was born from the imagination of writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in Cleveland, Ohio. In the comics, Superman is the sole survivor of the planet Krypton, sent to Earth by his parents as their world faces destruction. James Gunn also said that the film will be "about politics" and "about morality." The filmmaker added that certain parts of the country will view it differently. "Yes, it plays differently," he said. "It's about human kindness. And obviously, there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them." Gunn's words come as there is strong opposition among liberals to President Donald Trump's efforts to deport millions of illegal immigrants. While on the red carpet, James Gunn's brother Sean defended the director from "MAGA" people — as Variety described them — being critical of his recent pro-immigrant statements. Neither the interviewer, nor Gunn, made any distinction between legal or illegal immigrants. "My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about," Gunn said. "We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants and if you don't like that, you're not American." Variety also asked James Gunn about his interview comments while on the red carpet, though the filmmaker was less candid with his responses. "I think this movie's for everybody. I don't have anything to say to anybody. Like, I'm not here to judge people," he said, adding, "I think this is a movie about kindness and I think that's something everyone can relate to." While at the premiere, actor Nathan Fillion was also asked about MAGA criticism of the filmmaker's recent statement. Fillion, who plays the superhero Green Lantern in "Superman," gave a brief reply, "Aw, somebody needs a hug. Just a movie, guys. It's just a movie." Representatives for both Gunn brothers did not immediately reply to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
The Independent
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Fox host accuses Superman director James Gunn of creating ‘moat of woke'
Director James Gunn 's new Superman film, described as being about an immigrant and human kindness, has ignited outrage among right-wing commentators and Fox News. Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld, labelled the movie 'woke' and criticised its 'pro-immigrant themes', saying Gunn was 'creating a moat of woke'. Gunn explained that the film delves into morality and Superman's established origin as an otherworldly refugee, a concept consistent with DC Comics and the immigrant background of his creators. Right-wing figures, including a person who was an aide to Trump, urged boycotts, claiming the film was 'woke' and overly ideological. The film's cast and crew, notably Gunn's brother Sean, defended the themes, asserting that supporting immigrants aligns with American values.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
James Gunn, Nathan Fillion and More on MAGA Outrage Over Director Saying Superman Is an Immigrant: ‘I Don't Have Anything to Say to Anybody' Spreading Hate
The team behind 'Superman' is responding to the backlash after director James Gunn said the DC tentpole is the story of 'an immigrant that came from other places.' When asked about the reaction to his comments, James Gunn explained that the movie is for 'everyone' and that he doesn't have 'anything to say to anybody' spreading negativity around 'Superman.' More from Variety David Corenswet Said to Make Superman 'Bright and Optimistic' After Henry Cavill's Run Because Superheroes 'Become Boring If You Just Keep Doing the Same Thing' James Gunn Says It's 'Nonsense' to Think 'Superman' Will Flop If It Doesn't Make $700 Million: 'It Doesn't Need to Be as Big as People Are Saying' 'Superman' Star David Corenswet Trades Cape for Kids' Book in CBeebies Bedtime Story - Global Bulletin 'I'm not here to judge people,' he said at Monday night's 'Superman' premiere at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatre. 'I think this is a movie about kindness and I think that's something everyone can relate to.' James Gunn responds to MAGA backlash over calling Superman an immigrant: "I think this movie is about kindness, which everyone can relate to." — Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025 Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner, aka Green Lantern, laughed off the negativity and kept his response brief. 'Aw, somebody needs a hug,' Fillion said. 'Just a movie, guys.' Sean Gunn, who plays Maxwell Lord in the film, stood up for his brother and emphasized that immigrants are integral to the fabric of America. 'My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about,' he said. 'We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants and if you don't like that, you're not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.' James Gunn made waves with his Sunday profile in The Times of London after he explained some of the themes and ideals embedded in 'Superman.' He said that the film encompassed 'the story of America,' and on a fundamental level, is about a man looking for a new life away from his homeland. 'I mean, 'Superman' is the story of America,' James Gunn 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.' The quote enflamed backlash from commentators online and drew the attention of conservative media outlets like Fox News, which deemed 'Superman' 'Superwoke.' Network anchor Kellyanne Conway said of the film, 'We don't go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.' Jesse Watters added, 'You know what it says on his cape? MS13.' Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
