The James Gunn Superman controversy has reignited fierce debate about the direction of the DC Universe, as leftist streamer Hasan Piker claims Gunn’s new film embeds progressive politics and references current global conflicts. Piker’s outspoken views, coupled with reactions inside the industry, suggest Gunn’s future with DC Studios could be shaped by larger battles over ideology and studio control.
Progressive Politics Alleged in Gunn’s Superman
Hasan Piker has made headlines after asserting that James Gunn’s new Superman film incorporates pointed political themes reflecting the Middle East crisis, U.S. foreign policy, and more. Speaking to Variety, Piker argued that the fictional nation of Boravia is a direct parallel for Israel and even said its leader strongly resembles David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister. Piker accused the film of camouflaging a political allegory within the classic Superman narrative, despite Gunn’s own denials. He insisted,
we know exactly what we’re looking at.
— Hasan Piker, streamer
Piker did not stop there, expressing that Gal Gadot’s outspoken support for Israel had “ruined the DC franchise” in his view, but he now sees Gunn’s approach as redeeming it. He further commented that LuthorCorp acts as a stand-in for major U.S. corporations like Palantir, BlackRock, and Raytheon, suggesting that Lex Luthor’s dealings with Boravia mirror the way the U.S. operates in world conflicts. Piker also described Gaza as “a weapons laboratory,” and claimed Gunn’s Superman demonstrates “how imperialism works.” Praising casting choices, he celebrated David Corenswet, the new Superman actor, for being Jewish “but not pro-Israel,” underscoring Piker’s expectations for political alignment in the franchise. His enthusiasm for these elements even led him to dress as Gunn’s Superman for Halloween, revealing just how deeply he resonates with the film’s perceived politics.
Trends in Gunn’s Broader DCU Projects
Piker’s approval of Gunn’s Superman is not an isolated reaction. Observers note a recurring trend towards politically charged storytelling across Gunn’s DC projects. Previous series like Creature Commandos have generated discussion for what many describe as overt Hollywood messaging. Meanwhile, Peacemaker Season 2 drew controversy for plotlines framing contemporary America and Nazi Germany in provocative ways. Some characters, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+, are depicted discussing topics such as the alignment of Nazis and Christianity, leading to some viewers and critics seeing the show as directly engaging with contentious religious and sociopolitical debates.
During these debates, a notable moment was highlighted on social media:
In his DCU Peacemaker episode ‘Like a Thief in the Night,’ @JamesGunn mocks faith — equating love for Jesus Christ with Nazis. pic.twitter.com/BQOjFW09eb
— Cosmic Book News
James Gunn himself has commented on the significance of Superman’s connection to these storylines, stating,
Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker, it’s incredibly important,
– James Gunn
These creative choices have fueled ongoing tension over the extent and nature of political themes in the new DC Universe, with Gunn both praised and criticized for his approach.
Industry Turmoil: Skydance–Paramount’s Political Realignment
Another factor intensifying the debate is the shifting landscape of major Hollywood studios. According to recent Variety reporting, Skydance-Paramount — following their corporate merger — is signaling a move toward more conservative, anti-woke entertainment strategies. Led by David Ellison, this new conglomerate is actively pursuing a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the current home of James Gunn and the DCU.
A successful takeover would give DC Studios a new corporate parent with a markedly different political outlook, potentially reversing or reshaping the kind of stories being told. Insiders have flagged that this could have major implications for Gunn’s role, as industry chatter grows about looming leadership changes and revised creative mandates.
Speculation Surrounds Gunn’s Tenure at DC if Ownership Changes
Within industry circles, talk is already circulating that Gunn’s tenure at DC Studios may be short-lived if Warner Bros. Discovery changes hands. New ownership—particularly one emphasizing financial stability and mainstream appeal—may distance itself from the ideological narrative push characterized by Gunn’s tenure. The kind of outspoken feedback from figures like Hasan Piker, who champions Superman as “woke enough,” could weigh heavily in executive boardrooms where the priority is commercial success and audience breadth. A new corporate directive may demand less emphasis on political allegory and more on mass-market entertainment, rendering Gunn’s vision incompatible with the new regime’s goals.
At a time when Skydance-Paramount is seeking to rebrand itself as the studio turning Hollywood away from progressive messaging and towards profitability, these concerns are top of mind among stockholders and executives alike.
The Path Forward for Gunn’s DCU Amid Political Friction
The James Gunn Superman controversy highlights a stark division between activist-driven embraces of political storytelling and the preferences of broader audiences and corporate influencers. Hasan Piker’s remarks do not so much unearth a secret agenda as they clarify who is being energized—and who may be alienated—by the current creative direction at DC Studios. With questions about Warner Bros. Discovery’s future ownership still unresolved, and major studios repositioning themselves on the political spectrum, James Gunn’s future as the creative force driving Superman and the wider DCU remains highly uncertain. The next chapter could determine whether DC continues down its current path or abruptly shifts narrative course to meet new business and cultural demands.
In his DCU Peacemaker episode ‘Like a Thief in the Night,’ @JamesGunn mocks faith — equating love for Jesus Christ with Nazis. pic.twitter.com/BQOjFW09eb
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) October 3, 2025
"Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker, it's incredibly important," – James Gunn
James Gunn's DCU pic.twitter.com/MKYmpJOWuf
— Nerdrotic (@Nerdrotics) October 3, 2025
