Former Superman actor Dean Cain is making headlines again—not for donning the iconic cape, but for voicing his disapproval of James Gunn’s reimagined vision of the Man of Steel.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Cain, who played Clark Kent in the ’90s series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, expressed concern over what he views as the “politicization” of the beloved superhero. His critique centers on Gunn’s recent comments framing Superman as “an immigrant” and a symbol of “the story of America,” sentiments Cain believes stray too far from the character’s roots.
Gunn, the co-head of DC Studios and director of the upcoming Superman film, shared his interpretation in an interview with The Times U.K., saying:
“Superman is the story of America. 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.”
Cain took issue with that framing, suggesting it’s part of a broader trend of what he calls “woke Hollywood.”
“Changing beloved characters, I don’t think is a great idea,” Cain said. “For me, Superman always stood for truth, justice, and the American way.”
The actor lamented the change in the character’s catchphrase—from “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” to DC’s newer “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow”—noting that even the original slogan’s trademark was abandoned.
Cain insisted he supports immigrant values and American ideals but added, “There are rules,” warning that leaning too heavily into modern political themes could alienate longtime fans and hurt the film’s box office potential. Still, he admitted he remains curious about Gunn’s take and appreciates the director’s sense of humor, which he believes was lacking in recent portrayals.
Cain’s remarks quickly echoed across conservative media outlets, triggering cultural debates over the portrayal of iconic characters. Fox News host Jesse Watters mockingly quipped that Superman may as well have “MS-13 on his cape,” a comment Cain spun into a larger critique of Hollywood’s changing narratives.
While Gunn has yet to directly respond, his version of Superman is reportedly aiming for a return to optimism, warmth, and classic heroism—what he calls “color and joy.”
As the clash between nostalgia and reinvention unfolds, one thing’s certain: Superman remains a lightning rod not just for villains in Metropolis, but for cultural discourse across America.