New rumors allege that Superman will drop “The American Way” from the character’s iconic mantra.
The upcoming film titled “Superman” by James Gunn, penned and helmed by James Gunn himself, is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11th with the author’s approval. Notably, it has been generating headlines lately for several reasons that don’t seem overly positive.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I must admit that despite the buzz surrounding the reported whopping $400 million budget for the upcoming Superman movie, there are two other intriguing narratives that have emerged lately, causing me to question just how high this cinematic giant will soar next month.
According to film critic Chris Gore from FilmThreat, a Hollywood insider and YouTube personality, it seems he has indicated that James Gunn will reportedly abandon Superman’s famous motto “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” as this phrase is apparently not present in the actual movie.
Gunn’s modification seems intended to underscore Superman’s universal appeal, shifting the focus from his symbolic representation of American nationalism towards his role as a hero for all mankind. This change appears to have been influenced by DC Comics’ decision three years ago to alter Superman’s motto in their comics to “Truth, Justice, and A Brighter Future.
There’s talk about potential merchandise bearing the phrase “Truth, Justice, and The Righteous Path,” but so far, we haven’t found a reliable source confirming it.
As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed a shift in the portrayal of Superman that has sparked quite a debate. Some appreciate this change for its inclusivity, but others voice concerns that it weakens his historical ties to American values. They suggest that this move reflects an unease about Superman being so closely linked with the U.S., a nation where both DC and James Gunn have found their greatest successes.
This idea is particularly clear in the responses of fans on sites such as X, where intense discussions reveal a gap between people who view the removal of the slogan as an overdue change and those who believe it moves too far away from Superman’s fundamental character.
Considering Superman was co-created by a Canadian, who might have made him a global symbol during his creation, it seems overconfident for modern creators to assume they can improve upon that. Regardless of opinions on Zack Snyder’s movies, they did incorporate American culture without hesitation.
But that’s not all!
It’s being whispered that there might be another major change in the movie, this time focusing on its core plot structure. As per World of Reel, the studio is planning to switch Superman’s story from an episodic style to a more conventional, linear narrative.
According to inside sources, the early test viewings of the movie “Superman” showcased a unique style throughout, using title cards to denote days of the week and chapter headings to break up the story over a seven-day span. However, due to mixed reactions from viewers, it’s said that director Gunn has chosen to revise the film into a continuous narrative, similar to most big-budget productions. This change, as reported by several media outlets, appears to be responsive to feedback and while it might have been necessary, it could be concerning given the upcoming release of the movie in a few short weeks.
Over and over, it’s been proven that major changes made at the last minute usually don’t work out effectively, frequently disrupting a movie’s overall flow because it deviates from the director’s initial plan. To assume otherwise would be unwise.
The collection of these alterations undeniably leaves fans and probably studio managers feeling quite apprehensive. It’s clear as day that the fate of Gunn’s new DCU hinges significantly on Superman’s performance. If the film fails to meet expectations, it’s highly probable that executives at WBD will experience a wave of anxiety, and history shows they may react impulsively due to fear in such situations.
It appears that, much like Marvel, WBD is struggling to adapt to contemporary culture and shifting public sentiment, as the move away from Superman and “the American Way” at a time when there’s a renewed sense of American pride might turn off fans who see these elements as fundamental to Superman’s history. This is especially relevant considering its past association with American optimism during World War II and the 1950s TV series.
In the process, the switch at a late stage away from the episode format hints at the upcoming chaos on the WBD studio lot. The varying reactions from test screenings have led to last-minute adjustments, making it unclear if the film can strike the right balance between its innovative approach and Superman’s rich history. This uncertainty has left both fans and critics questioning whether the film will fly or trip up when it is eventually released.
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2025-06-10 18:00