Actor Dean Cain’s criticism of the new “Superman” movie for being too “woke” has sparked debate on social media.
From 1993 to 1997, Cain starred in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” opposite Teri Hatcher in a total of 87 episodes. In addition to his acting credits, he hosted the TV series “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” and has hosted “Masters of Illusion” since 2014.
The newest incarnation of the DC Comics hero is directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet.
“Superman is the story of America,” Gunn said in an interview. “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.”
In every version of the story, Superman is from the planet Krypton and his real name is Kal-El.
In an interview with TMZ, Cain said, “I was excited for the film. I’m excited to see what it is because James Gunn seems to have a sense of humor and the last iterations of Superman didn’t have much humor, and I love the humor in Superman. So I’m rooting for it to be a success, but I don’t like that last political comment.”
He also said, “Superman has always stood for truth, justice and the American way, and the American way is immigrant-friendly. Tremendously immigrant-friendly, but there are rules.I think that was a mistake by James Gunn to say it’s an immigrant thing, and I think it’s gonna hurt the numbers on the movie.”
“How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?” Cain asked, expressing concern that the new movie would turn out like Disney’s live-action “Snow White” remake, which was criticized for, among other things, casting a Latina actress as the title character.
Cain was among the panelists on Piers Morgan’s talk show discussing how “woke” the new Superman is.
Cain supports President Trump’s policies, having endorsed him in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Some posters on social media have clapped back, showing a scene from “Lois & Clark” (Season 4, Episode 14) in which Superman is confronted by federal officials about not having a green card or a Social Security number.
One user on X commented, “Dude doesn’t remember his own show.”
Also circulating is a scene from the TV series “Smallville” in which Tom Welling as Clark Kent says, “I’m an illegal immigrant, Mom. You’ve been harboring me for over 17 years!”
Cain has returned to the franchise by appearing as different characters on “Smallville” and “Supergirl.”
Born Dean George Tanaka was born in 1966 to Roger Tanaka, an American serviceman, and actress Sharon Thomas, Cain was raised by his mother and stepfather, film director Christopher Cain.