Variety is once again under fire for spinning a neutral quote into political controversy, this time targeting Superman director James Gunn. At the film’s press junket, Variety’s Marc Malkin approached Gunn with a divisive question about the supposed backlash from Trump supporters over Gunn’s earlier comments framing Superman as an immigrant. But Gunn didn’t take the bait.
Check out Gunn’s actual quote in the player below.
James Gunn responds to MAGA backlash over calling #Superman an immigrant: “I think this movie is about kindness, which everyone can relate to.” pic.twitter.com/kUdzJleUsT
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
“I think this movie is for everyone,” Gunn said calmly. “I don’t have anything to say to anyone. I’m not here to judge people. I think this is a movie about kindness, and I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
Superman withstands fire in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
It was a reasonable, non-confrontational answer. No partisan jabs. No attacks. Just a call for unity and a reminder that Superman is meant for everyone. It was a course correction from Gunn, who was quoted just days earlier for saying “screw them” to any “jerks” who took offense to the movie’s theme.
But that’s not the story Variety decided to run.
The Headline That Misleads
In a piece co-written by Marc Malkin and Jack Dunn, Variety ran the following inflammatory headline.
“James Gunn, Nathan Fillion and More on MAGA Outrage Over Director Saying Superman Is an Immigrant: ‘I Don’t Have Anything to Say to Anybody’ Spreading Hate”
David Corenswet as Superman flying in James Gunn’s “Superman” – YouTube, DC
Let’s be clear: Gunn did not say anything about “spreading hate.”
In fact, he specifically avoided judgment, refusing to make any political statement at all. He didn’t mention President Trump. He didn’t criticize Trump supporters. He didn’t even acknowledge the framing of the question.
Superman grimacing by a Stagg Industries sign in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
Variety took a non-answer from James Gunn and spun it as a condemnation of half the country.
This isn’t journalism—it’s provocation.
The Marc Malkin Pattern
For those unfamiliar, this isn’t Malkin’s first time stirring the pot. He has a long history of asking identity-driven questions on red carpets to bait celebrities into political or culture war commentary. He often frames interviews to generate clickbait outrage and turns lighthearted projects into ideological battlegrounds.
Aubrey Plaza responds to #AgathaAllAlong being called the “gayest Marvel project yet”
“It better be, cause that’s what I signed up for!”pic.twitter.com/vMJZ5u8i7B
— 💭 (@agathariothink) September 17, 2024
At the Agatha All Along junket, Malkin repeatedly asked Marvel cast members if the show was “the gayest” Marvel show ever, inserting identity politics into nearly every exchange. Then, during a recent conversation with Ridley Scott, Malkin attempted to spark controversy by suggesting a same-sex kiss was removed from Gladiator 2—a claim Scott immediately shut down.
Malkin doesn’t ask questions to learn. He asks to create viral headlines.
Gunn Avoided Politics at Superman Premiere — Variety Forced It Anyway
This isn’t just about one misleading headline. It’s part of a larger pattern from Variety, which earlier this week already misframed Gunn’s comments to The Times of London. In that profile, Gunn acknowledged that Superman touches on themes of morality and kindness and that Clark Kent’s immigrant background is central to the character’s identity.
Superman and Krypto in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
But Variety’s earlier reporting selectively framed those remarks as a dig at conservatives, sparking days of online debate and helping to fuel the very outrage narrative that Malkin referenced on the carpet.
Fillion and Sean Gunn Take the Bait
While James Gunn handled the moment with restraint, others in his circle gave Malkin exactly what he wanted.
Actor Nathan Fillion responded to the Trump-supporter question with a sarcastic jab.
Nathan Fillion on MAGA backlash to James Gunn calling Superman an immigrant: “Somebody needs a hug. It’s just a movie guys.” pic.twitter.com/MzVNZMKZ72
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
“Aw, somebody needs a hug,” he said. “Just a movie, guys.”
Sean Gunn, James Gunn’s brother, went even further.
Sean Gunn on the MAGA backlash to Superman being called an immigrant: “People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.” pic.twitter.com/XgivaD34PE
— Variety (@Variety) July 8, 2025
“My reaction to [the backlash] is that it is exactly what the movie is about,” Sean Gunn said. “We support our people, you know? We love our immigrants. Yes, Superman is an immigrant, and yes, the people that we support in this country are immigrants, and if you don’t like that, you’re not American. People who say no to immigrants are against the American way.”
So now, thanks to Malkin’s baiting and Variety’s framing, Superman—a character millions look to for hope and unity—is once again a flashpoint in a culture war most audiences never wanted this film to enter.
The Real Problem Isn’t the Movie — It’s the Media
Let’s be crystal clear: James Gunn did not attack Trump supporters at the Superman premiere. He was asked a loaded question and gave a carefully neutral answer. The fact that Variety spun that into a headline implying he equated Trump supporters with hate is not just dishonest—it’s journalistic malpractice.
James Gunn attends the European Premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3” in Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by StillMoving.Net for Disney)
If the trades keep injecting divisive narratives where there are none, they risk turning every film release into a political spectacle. Audiences are tired of being told which movies are for which voters. Most just want to sit down with some popcorn and see Superman punch a kaiju.
It’s a shame Variety won’t let that happen.
How do you feel about Variety misrepresenting this James Gunn comment? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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These journalists need to go away. They’ve become a representation of everything journalism is NOT supposed to be. It’s merely meant to inform, but these people would prefer to agitate and instigate.
Hope someone sues variety for this, their slander could do serious harm to anything they desire to hurt.
This director deserves a flop-buster, for spreading his immigration propaganda. Boycott it, everyone!