James Gunn’s new Superman film is stirring online debate as some viewers interpret scenes as political commentary on real-world conflicts, particularly the Gaza situation
While the film avoids naming any specific real life nations, one scene—showing armed forces attacking civilians across a border with children in danger—has been widely interpreted as a reference to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Viewers have taken to social media to voice their reactions, with many suggesting the film carries a strong political message.
I really wasn’t expecting much and chalked it up to hype, or a liberal application of the Israel analogy to any imperialist expansion war. But the movie quite clearly recreates visuals from the 2018 Gaza border protests. Superman is antizionist and leaves no room for doubt https://t.co/WeTReJ7CAA pic.twitter.com/tPApmOZpnR
— logan (@venividivacey) July 11, 2025
Social media users have responded with polarized views. One user wrote on X, “Y’all were not kidding about how anti-Israel and pro-Palestine that Superman movie was, and they were not slick with it AT ALL.” Another added, “Superman was so openly anti-Israel and god it was so good.” A third commented, “I really like the anti-Israel sentiment from Superman, and now I know James Gunn is always standing on business.”
people who said superman is anti Israel were not really lying but it’s all just allegory again with names of places swapped. I mean I knew they wouldnt go as far as calling out Israel with its name but its still right in your face and not subtle. basically #superman is hamas pic.twitter.com/rlJwZW2NQt
— 🎧 (@vizualdiary) July 12, 2025
Many suggesting that Superman’s actions and the fictional settings of Boravia and Jarhanpur resemble real-world parallels to Israel and Palestine. While neither the filmmakers nor Warner Bros. have explicitly confirmed any such allegory, audiences have noted that the film appears to express clear empathy for oppressed civilians, particularly children, under siege.
They were NOT KIDDING when they said Superman is anti israel
— Captain Paste 🇵🇸 (@thermocentric) July 9, 2025
Some described the film as a “major cultural moment,” highlighting the boldness of a mainstream studio release appearing to take a stance on such a contentious issue. Comments across platforms noted the film's strong pro-immigrant messaging and its unflinching portrayal of violence against civilians, which many interpreted as aligned with the plight of Palestinians.
Director James Gunn has previously emphasized that his Superman is an immigrant story rooted in values of justice, morality, and empathy — themes he said reflect the politics of contemporary America. This framing has further fueled audience interpretations of the character siding with marginalized and oppressed communities.
Social media posts expressed both surprise and gratitude that a major studio film took this approach. Some users called it the “most obvious pro-Palestine content” seen in a blockbuster, while others hoped it would raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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