Superman No Longer Fighting for ‘The American Way’ Under James Gunn, White House Responds

Director James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot has generated controversy ahead of its July 11 release over a notable change to the superhero’s iconic catchphrase.

Official merchandise for the film now describes Superman as fighting for “truth, justice, and the human way,” replacing the decades-old phrase “the American way.”

In the new “Superman” movie, Superman’s iconic motto of “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” is now “Truth, Justice, and the Human Way.”
The movie is fine, but they just can’t help themselves.. pic.twitter.com/YHSGvNCtmd

— TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) July 10, 2025

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According to Comicbook, the revised catchphrase appears on licensed promotional material tied to the new film, which stars David Corenswet in the title role.

The altered slogan appears on packaging and product descriptions, including one figure that reads: “Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way, he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.”

The original phrase, “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” has been associated with the Superman character since the early 1940s, during World War II.

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Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, Superman has long been portrayed as a symbol of American ideals, having crash-landed in Kansas and raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent before becoming Clark Kent and later Superman.

The Smithsonian has described Superman’s upbringing in America as central to his character.

The decision to replace “the American Way” with “the human way” has reignited debate about modern interpretations of iconic characters and their ties to national identity.

The White House took to X and went mega viral with a post that has garnered over 20 million views at the time of this writing:

THE SYMBOL OF HOPE.

TRUTH. JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN WAY.

SUPERMAN TRUMP. pic.twitter.com/fwFWeYonAq

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 11, 2025

While no official statement has been released from Warner Bros. regarding the change, Gunn previously confirmed that he is involved in approving all licensed merchandise tied to the film, according to Cosmic Book News.

The shift comes amid earlier remarks by Gunn suggesting the film will explore Superman as an immigrant figure. “I mean, Superman is the story of America,” Gunn told The Times of London.

“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 a value and is something we have lost.”

Those comments have sparked additional reaction, particularly from conservative commentators.

Fox News host Jesse Watters, responding to Gunn’s framing of Superman as an immigrant, quipped, “You know what it says on his cape? MS-13,” during a segment on his show.

Jesse Watters talking about the new woke Superman:

“You know what it says on his cape? MS-13.”pic.twitter.com/OM4al0twYt

— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) July 8, 2025

Watters’ remark was a reference to public reaction following the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a court-verified member of the violent street gang MS-13, by the Trump administration.

Some on the political left had criticized the deportation decision at the time.

The debate over Superman’s identity and messaging comes as Warner Bros. prepares for the theatrical launch of the film, which is positioned as a full reboot of the franchise under Gunn’s leadership following his appointment as co-head of DC Studios.

Gunn’s creative vision is expected to shape the future of the DC cinematic universe, starting with this iteration of Superman.

As of now, Superman’s new motto continues to appear on officially licensed products, with no indication from DC or Warner Bros. that the change will be reversed.

The film opens in theaters nationwide on July 11, 2025.

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