Superman is an immigrant. That’s the discourse that took flight as James Gunn’s new DC film landed in cinemas.
The writer-director told The Sunday Times: “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 something that we have lost.”
Right-wing commentators branded the film “woke” in a now-predictable backlash. But it’s raking in the millions: it grossed $217 million (£161m) at the box office worldwide and $122m (£91m) in the US that opening weekend.
That’s the best opening for any Superman film so far. It’s gone down well in America at a time when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents are detaining people on the streets as Donald Trump’s pledge to crack down on “illegal aliens” continues apace.
If Gunn’s Superman delivers, he could be the hero America – a nation built on immigration – needs at its darkest hour of deep division. Read more in the week’s Big Issue.
What else is in this week’s Big Issue?
Children in care should not be a route to profit
Over 100,000 children in the UK are in care. That’s the population of a town like Maidstone or Wigan. Most are looked after by foster placements, but 19% in England are housed in residential accommodation. In England, more than 80% of these children’s homes are privately run. Baroness Lola Young told Big Issue why this needs to change.
