New “Superman” Aims To Be Apolitical

Warner Bros. Pictures
Superman represents many things to many different people, but at his core the comic character has always served as a symbol of decency, kindness and compassion for mankind.

It’s something Christopher Reeve’s Superman perfectly embodied, but subsequent big screen interpretations have moved away from the Kryptonian boy scout idea in favor of something a bit darker.

James Gunn’s “Superman” aims to bring the character back to his old-fashioned ideals and in doing so potentially heal a nation (and world) that seems more divided and at each other’s throads than ever.

According to The New York Post, Gunn explained in a recent Q&A that the battered and bruised version of Superman seen at the beginning of the recent trailer is a big ol’ metaphor for the United States: “We do have a battered Superman in the beginning. That is our country.”

He says it’s a nation that, while hurt and worn, still represents goodness and hope. That theme is central to the film with Gunn reportedly sharing his belief in the inherent goodness of people, no matter where they stand politically.

He says despite ideological divides, most people are trying their best to be good even when that goodness is sometimes under siege from darker voices. It’s a noble ideal which he believes will help the film resonate with a wide audience.

Gunn also reportedly made it clear that the film won’t delve into specific political issues, undertones or figureheads – instead it deals with universal values along with a focus on positivity and decency.

Gunn also says the recent trailer contains scenes mostly from the beginning of the movie with only a few moments from later in the narrative. “Superman” opens in cinemas in July next year.