5 Reasons Why People Are Calling The New Superman "Woke" (And What It Really Means)

The term "woke" has become a cultural lightning rod, and in recent years, one of the most enduring and classic superheroes, Superman, has been squarely placed in the center of the debate. As of December 2025, the controversy is twofold, stemming from both recent comic book storylines and the upcoming major motion picture in the new DC Universe (DCU). The core of the argument revolves around whether modern interpretations of the Man of Steel are simply reflecting the character's long-standing tradition of fighting for the marginalized, or if they are injecting overtly political and progressive themes into the narrative.

The sentiment that Superman has "gone woke" is not a single, unified critique but rather a collection of reactions to specific creative decisions made by DC Comics and the new DC Studios leadership. These decisions touch upon issues of sexual orientation, immigration, and social justice, prompting a heated discussion among long-time fans, conservative commentators, and those who believe the character should evolve with the times. Understanding the "woke" label requires a closer look at the two major flashpoints that have defined this modern era of the Kryptonian hero.

The Two Major Flashpoints: Why the "Woke" Label Emerged

The perception of Superman as "woke" is primarily driven by two distinct, high-profile developments in the franchise. These changes, one in the comics and one in the film world, have independently fueled the narrative that the character is being politicized.

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1. Controversy 1: Jon Kent's Bisexuality and Social Activism

The most significant and sustained comic book controversy centers on Jon Kent, the son of Clark Kent (Kal-El) and Lois Lane. Jon Kent inherited his father's mantle as the new Superman of Earth in the series Superman: Son of Kal-El, which launched in 2021.

• Bisexual Reveal: In an issue of the series, Jon Kent was revealed to be bisexual, beginning a romantic relationship with a male reporter named Jay Nakamura. This move was celebrated by many as a step towards greater LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream comics but was immediately condemned by conservative critics and some traditional fans who felt it was an unnecessary political statement.
• Focus on Social Issues: The comic series, written by Tom Taylor, intentionally shifted Superman's focus from global, cosmic threats to more grounded, real-world social commentary. Jon Kent was depicted protesting against climate change, fighting for the rights of refugees, and challenging corporate greed.
• The "Missed Opportunity" Quote: Writer Tom Taylor stated in an interview that replacing Clark Kent with "another straight white savior felt like a missed opportunity," a comment that critics seized upon as evidence of an explicit agenda to change the character's traditional identity for political reasons.

The series, which lasted about a year and a half before being canceled in 2022, was frequently cited by the anti-woke movement as a prime example of DC Comics sacrificing storytelling and established canon for the sake of political messaging.

2. Controversy 2: James Gunn's "Immigrant" Superman and the New DCU Film

The second major flashpoint is tied to the upcoming 2025 DC Universe (DCU) film, Superman, directed and written by James Gunn. The backlash began long before the film's release, based entirely on statements made by the director.

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• The "Immigrant" Label: James Gunn sparked a massive debate when he described Superman as "the story of America," specifically calling him "an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country."
• Political Interpretation: Conservative pundits and critics immediately interpreted Gunn's comments as an overt political statement, linking the character's Kryptonian origin to modern debates on immigration and border policy. The film was branded as "woke" and socially engineered before a single trailer was released.
• Social Justice Themes: The new film's vision is expected to explore themes of basic human kindness and standing up for the defenseless, which critics argue is a thinly veiled attempt to push a progressive social justice agenda. This perception is amplified by the fact that the "woke" label is often applied to any media that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, or contemporary social issues.

This pre-emptive criticism highlights how the term "woke" has evolved to become a catch-all phrase for any media property that appears to align with progressive values, regardless of the final product's quality or depth.

The Debate: Is Superman's Original DNA Inherently "Woke"?

A significant counter-argument to the "woke Superman" narrative is that the character's original creation and core values have always contained elements of social justice and fighting for the marginalized. This perspective suggests that modern interpretations are not a departure, but a return to form.

Superman: A History of Social Commentary

When Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, his earliest adventures were steeped in social commentary. He fought corrupt politicians, greedy landlords, abusive factory owners, and corporate tyrants. This focus on the "common man" and the fight against systemic injustice was foundational to the character.

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• The Immigrant Origin: Superman is, by definition, an alien refugee from a dying planet, adopted and raised by American farmers. His entire backstory is an immigrant narrative, a fact James Gunn highlighted that critics are now using to label him as "woke."
• The Truth, Justice, and the American Way: The classic motto has always been about an idealized vision of American values—one that prioritizes justice and protection for the powerless. When Dean Cain, a former Superman actor, commented on the new film being "too woke," fans quickly pointed out that his own show, Lois & Clark, had episodes dealing with social issues.
• Lex Luthor's Purpose: Superman's arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, is often portrayed as a powerful, wealthy industrialist who uses his intellect and influence for selfish gain, a clear critique of unchecked corporate power. Superman's refusal to let innocent lives perish is not a political statement, but a moral one.

For many fans, the idea that Superman is "woke" simply because he is fighting for diversity, equality, and social justice is a misunderstanding or deliberate misrepresentation of his 80-year history. The character was literally created to challenge the status quo and protect those without a voice.

Analyzing the Core Themes: Social Commentary vs. Political Agenda

The crux of the "woke" controversy lies in the distinction between general social commentary and perceived political agenda. The entities involved—DC Comics, James Gunn, Jon Kent, Clark Kent, and Lois Lane—are all subject to this intense scrutiny.

The anti-woke critique argues that modern creators are prioritizing identity politics and progressive messaging over traditional superhero storytelling. They see the introduction of a bisexual Superman (Jon Kent) or the explicit use of the "immigrant" label for Kal-El as a cynical attempt to score political points, rather than a natural evolution of the character.

Conversely, defenders of the new direction argue that all great science fiction and superhero stories are inherently allegorical and reflect the times in which they are written. They contend that a Superman who ignores issues like climate change, economic inequality, or LGBTQ+ rights in the 21st century would feel outdated and irrelevant. By having Jon Kent fight for these causes, DC Comics is merely updating the hero's mission to address modern-day "wickedness," just as the original Superman fought against the social ills of the Great Depression era.

Ultimately, the "woke" label applied to Superman is less about the character's actions and more about a broader cultural conflict over the role of diversity and progressive values in media. Whether in the comics or the new DCU film, the debate ensures that Superman remains one of the most talked-about and culturally relevant figures in the world, even if the discussion is framed by the polarizing language of the anti-woke movement.