Nathan Fillion responds to MAGA criticism of 'Superman' as an immigrant story: "Somebody needs a hug"

Nathan Fillion has weighed in on the backlash surrounding Superman director James Gunn’s statement that the superhero represents “an immigrant that came from other places". 

As criticism from conservative commentators mounted, Fillion offered a brief but telling response at the film’s Hollywood premiere.

“Aw, somebody needs a hug,” said Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner, also known as Green Lantern. “Just a movie, guys.”

His understated remark comes amid heated reaction online and from right-wing media outlets after Gunn’s comments in The Times of London framed Superman as a story about kindness and the immigrant experience in America.

James Gunn, meanwhile, stood firm, telling Variety, “I don’t have anything to say to anybody spreading hate… I think this is a movie about kindness and I think that’s something everyone can relate to. I’m not here to judge people.”

Sean Gunn, portraying Maxwell Lord, took a stronger stance, stating, “Yes, Superman is an immigrant… and if you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”

Fox News anchors including Jesse Watters and Kellyanne Conway were quick to criticise the film, with Watters saying, “You know what it says on his cape? MS13,” and Conway adding, “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to.”

While the backlash grows, Fillion’s response offers a moment of levity, signalling that not everyone in the Superman cast feels the need to engage deeply with the controversy.