Thu Jul 17 02:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
James Gunn’s new “Superman” film is generating buzz not just for its box office success, but also for its perceived political undertones. Social media users are debating whether the film contains pro-Palestine or anti-Israel messages, drawing parallels between the fictional plot and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While director James Gunn denies any direct connection to the conflict, stating the film’s themes revolve around human kindness and immigration, some viewers interpret elements as criticism of Israel. The debate is dividing audiences and prompting calls for boycotts from some quarters.
**News Article:**
**’Superman’ Reboot Sparks Controversy: Is it Pro-Palestine Propaganda?**
By Marni Rose McFall
LONDON – James Gunn’s “Superman,” the latest reboot of the iconic DC franchise, is soaring at the box office, but also igniting a heated debate online. Released on July 11th, the film, which follows Superman stopping an invasion by the fictional Boravia, has drawn comparisons to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with some viewers claiming it contains pro-Palestine and anti-Israel messaging.
The online discussion has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, X, and YouTube. One TikTok creator (@blondebirchtree) asserted the film is “the most pro-Palestine I have seen a mainstream film ever be,” while popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker released a video titled: “Superman just EXPOSED Israel On The Big Screen.” Conversely, some Reddit users have criticized the film as “anti-Israel propaganda” and called for boycotts.
Director James Gunn has denied any deliberate connection to the conflict. In an interview with Comicbook.com, Gunn stated he wrote the story before the current Middle Eastern conflict and emphasized its themes of human kindness and the immigrant experience. “I tried to do little things to move it away from that, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the Middle East.” Gunn said in an interview.
While Gunn insists the film is apolitical, the debate underscores the power of interpretation and the ability of audiences to project real-world issues onto fictional narratives.
Newsweek has reached out to DC for comment.