The storied superhero Superman, long associated with the motto "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," is set to embrace a revised mantra in the forthcoming film helmed by director James Gunn. The new tagline, "Truth, Justice, and the Human Way," signals a departure from the character's traditional ethos, stirring a mixture of responses among fans and cultural commentators.
Superman's revised catchphrase, which debuted on official movie merchandise, marks a significant shift for the character whose origins date back to 1938, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Historically, the Man of Steel's slogan has reflected his status as a paragon of American values, especially during World War II and subsequent decades, where he served as both Earth's guardian and an emblem of American ideals.
The revised phrase is prominently featured on toys associated with the movie, with Gunn reportedly retaining approval authority. The Superman figure's packaging hints at the character's struggle to reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. The language underscores the dual identity of the character and the tension between his extraterrestrial and terrestrial selves, portraying him as an embodiment of what may be viewed as outdated virtues in a rapidly changing world.
Superman's backstory centers on his arrival from the dying planet Krypton and subsequent adoption by Martha and Jonathan Kent, who raise him on a Kansas farm – an environment emblematic of quintessential American values and rural life. Despite his otherworldly origins, Superman has been rooted in America throughout his narrative arc in comics and film, embodying the nation's ideals since the Great Depression.
The upcoming film reboot, set for a theatrical release on July 11, has faced pre-release scrutiny following Gunn's comments about the character. Early fan reactions and commentary have centered on concerns regarding alterations to the core aspects of this much-adored superhero. Gunn has intimated in interviews that the story will highlight Superman's immigrant status, which has sparked debate about the pertinence of contemporary immigration discourse to the character's portrayal.
Gunn, in conversation with The Times of London, remarked, "Superman is the story of America," referring to the character's immigrant narrative. He further elaborated on the importance of "basic human kindness" as a central theme, suggesting that it's a value society has neglected.
Responses to the change have been polarized, with some commentators and fans expressing dismay, calling for boycotts, and critiquing the decision to remove "American" from the motto. NBC News covered a facetious remark by television host Jesse Watters, who quipped, "You know what it says on his cape? MS-13," invoking political debates around immigration policy.
This alteration to Superman's motto and the associated merchandise descriptions reflect a contemporary re-examination of the character's identity and values. While some view the change as a natural evolution in line with a more global perspective, others see it as a betrayal of the character's foundational American symbolism. The modification highlights the ongoing conversation about national identity, cultural representation, and the values superheroes are meant to exemplify.
