How James Gunn’s Film Exposes Western Hypocrisy on Palestine
Superman (2025) James Gunn’s Controversial Political Masterpiece
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) has taken the world by storm, not just as a thrilling superhero blockbuster but as a bold political statement that has ignited fierce debate. The film, which reimagines the Man of Steel as a symbol of global justice rather than American exceptionalism, has drawn both acclaim and outrage for its unflinching allegory of Palestine’s struggle under occupation. At the heart of the controversy is the film’s plot, where Superman intervenes to protect the fictional nation of Jarhanpur from a brutal invasion by Boravia, a clear parallel to Israel’s decades-long oppression of Palestine, backed by U.S. military and political support. The film’s depiction of Boravian forces massacring civilians, while Western powers justify the violence, mirrors real-world atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, forcing audiences to confront the hypocrisy of their governments.
Unsurprisingly, pro-Israel groups have launched a furious backlash, accusing the film of being "anti-Semitic propaganda" and demanding boycotts. Their outrage, however, only proves how accurately Superman exposes the brutality of occupation and how desperate they are to silence narratives that challenge Israel’s impunity. Meanwhile, the film has been embraced by global audiences, with record-breaking ratings in countries that recognize the stark parallels between Jarhanpur’s suffering and Palestine’s real-life resistance. By framing Superman as a hero who defies U.S. interests to stand with the oppressed, Gunn has delivered a powerful rebuke to Western complicity in genocide and sparked a cultural reckoning that pro-Israel forces are desperate to suppress.
1. The Plot: A Clear Parallel to Palestine’s Struggle
Superman vs. Boravia: A Mirror of Israel’s Occupation
In James Gunn’s Superman, the fictional nation of Jarhanpur is under brutal invasion by Boravia, a militarized regime backed by the United States, a direct parallel to Israel’s occupation of Palestine and its unwavering support from Western powers. The film doesn’t shy away from showing Boravia’s forces targeting civilians, bombing homes, and crushing resistance with overwhelming force, much like the real-world devastation in Gaza. One of the most striking scenes depicts Boravian soldiers firing on unarmed Jarhanpuri civilians, who fight back with nothing but makeshift weapons—mirroring the Palestinian struggle against one of the world’s most advanced militaries. Superman’s intervention—saving innocent lives while defying political pressure becomes a powerful metaphor for global solidarity with Palestine, challenging the narrative that resistance against oppression is "terrorism."
Superman’s Defiance: “I Don’t Represent America”
When Superman is criticized by U.S. officials for "meddling" in Boravia’s invasion, his response—"I don’t represent America"—is an outspoken condemnation of US imperialism and its role in facilitating crimes elsewhere. This moment crystallizes the film’s moral stance: true heroism means standing against injustice, even when your own government supports it. In reality, Western nations continue to fund, arm, and politically shield Israel despite its war crimes in Gaza, making Superman’s defiance a sharp critique of modern geopolitics. While real-world leaders equivocate on genocide, Superman embodies the principle that neutrality in oppression means siding with the oppressor, a message that resonates deeply with pro-Palestine movements worldwide.
2. Why Pro-Israel Groups Are Angry
The Backlash Against Superman’s Pro-Palestine Message
James Gunn’s Superman has struck a nerve with pro-Israel groups, precisely because it holds up a mirror to their brutal oppression of Palestinians. The film’s depiction of Boravia—a militarized state invading Jarhanpur with U.S. backing—is an unmistakable allegory for Israel’s occupation of Palestine, complete with indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Unsurprisingly, pro-Israel voices have lashed out, accusing the film of "anti-Semitism" and "bias," yet their outrage only exposes their hypocrisy. While they weaponize accusations of bigotry to silence criticism, they ignore the real, documented war crimes committed by Israel against Palestinians—starving families in Gaza, bombing hospitals, and displacing millions. The irony is glaring: they cry "censorship" when Hollywood dares to challenge their narrative, yet they actively suppress Palestinian voices in media, politics, and even academia. The backlash isn’t about fairness; it’s about maintaining a propaganda machine that shields Israel from accountability.
Media Double Standards: How Western Outlets Ignore Palestine But Attack Superman
The same Western media that downplays or justifies Israel’s violence has been quick to scrutinize Superman for its political stance. Major outlets, often influenced by pro-Israel lobbying, frame the film as "controversial" rather than courageous, while they routinely whitewash Israel’s atrocities as "self-defense." Yet, the film’s global success proves that people worldwide recognize and support its message. Moviegoers aren’t fooled by the smear campaigns; they see the parallels between Boravia’s fictional brutality and Israel’s very real crimes. The disconnect between media narratives and public opinion reveals a growing frustration: people are tired of the lies, and Superman gives them a hero who fights back against injustice, both on-screen and symbolically.
3. Why Superman’s Stand Matters
Art as Resistance in Hollywood
James Gunn’s Superman is a rare blockbuster that dares to challenge Western imperialism and side with the oppressed. In an industry that often avoids Palestine to please pro-Israel donors, Gunn’s bold storytelling is a form of resistance. He joins a small but powerful list of filmmakers, like The Batman’s critique of police brutality or Black Panther’s anti-colonial themes who use mainstream cinema to confront systemic oppression. Superman’s defiance of U.S. government pressure in the film mirrors real-life activists who face backlash for supporting Palestine. By making a global icon like Superman take a stand, Gunn normalizes solidarity with Palestine in spaces where it’s usually silenced.
Conclusion: Will You Join Superman in Supporting the Oppressed?
James Gunn’s Superman has done what few Hollywood blockbusters dare: it has taken a moral stand. While critics especially those defending Israel’s brutal occupation attack the film for its pro-Palestine allegory, their outrage only proves its power. Because they are aware that the truth is damning, they are afraid of stories that reveal injustice. The bravery of real-life activists who will not remain silent while Palestine burns is reflected in Superman's refusal of US collaboration in Boravia's war crimes.
This isn’t just a movie, it’s a litmus test. Those who condemn Superman for "anti-Israel bias" are the same voices that justify apartheid, bombings, and starvation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Superman embodies what justice looks like: protecting the innocent, rejecting propaganda, and standing firm against oppression, no matter the backlash.
The film’s global success sends a clear message: people are tired of lies. They want art that speaks truth, heroes who fight for the powerless, and stories that amplify Palestine’s cry for freedom. So watch Superman. Share it. Discuss it. Let Hollywood know that audiences demand more than empty spectacle, we want stories that challenge power, just like Superman does.