Superman’s Broke in James Gunn’s DCU: Virtue Signaling at Play?

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James Gunn’s Superman film continues to spark discussion—initially due to its storyline revolving around false information and internet bullies, and more recently because viewers are arguing over whether the Man of Steel is financially struggling. Adding fuel to the fire is the portrayal that pokes fun at the Snyder Cut.

Following a query from a user on the Threads platform regarding whether Superman is financially struggling, Gunn provided clarification. However, with an increasing number of peculiar storyline decisions, one might question: Is this narrative still centered around the Superman character, or has it shifted towards delivering agenda-driven messages and signaling moral values, akin to what Gunn did with Creature Commandos?

What did James Gunn say?

In the Superman movie directed by Gunn, the Kent farmhouse (as seen in the image) appears noticeably dissimilar to its past depictions. Typically, the Kent residence is portrayed as a two-story colonial house with a front porch, white picket fence, and an atmosphere reminiscent of a quintessential Midwestern family farmstead.

User1 asks, “James Gunn, could you clarify a question about the DC Studios Showcase – is Superman economically disadvantaged or middle class? Some people believe he’s wealthy, but I’ve always thought otherwise. It seems I may be mistaken according to @coyjandreau and Tyler Coates.

Gunn stated, “The house we have in Smallville is actually a renovated mobile home. I aimed to make his childhood environment resemble more the rural Missouri farm life that I experienced growing up.

Is This Still Superman—or Political Messaging?

Some viewers appreciated and endorsed Gunn’s decision to replace the classic Kent farmhouse with a trailer, considering it as more relatable or genuine. However, many others found this change unconvincing. [Below] provides further insights.

One user playfully commented, “‘Oh dear. Could Clark end up donning a faded red Make America Great Again hat?’” This remark underscores that portraying Superman as more relatable to contemporary America might not be universally accepted as impartial. Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel was divisive among fans, and we witnessed the consequences of such polarization.

When a Superman film sparks discussions on economic class and political symbolism before it’s even released in cinemas, one might ponder whether it’s primarily intended to captivate through storytelling or if there are other underlying themes at play.

Fans react

Growing up from infancy to the age of five in a homemade double-wide mobile home on a farm, which my grandpa constructed, holds an incredibly special significance for me.

Superman’s wealth isn’t a result of needing food or being protected from societal violence towards the less fortunate, unlike many low-income individuals. Instead, Clark Kent is brought up by humble rural farmers, which instills in him empathy and an understanding of the worth of every human life, regardless of their social standing.

Let me clarify, I value this experience greatly. Growing up, I resided in a spacious mobile home on a cattle farm in rural Alabama until I turned 10 years old. While our financial situation wasn’t opulent and didn’t fall under the category of poverty, we were comfortably middle class, given the regional standards.

Release info

On July 11th, Superman soars into cinemas, with James Gunn taking charge as both writer and director. The stellar cast features David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult.

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2025-05-12 03:10