In a shocking deviation from tradition, actor David Corenswet, who stars as Superman in the upcoming film directed by James Gunn, has chosen to abandon the iconic motto “the American Way.” He boldly redefines it as “Truth, Justice, and good things,” signaling a disturbing trend in Hollywood’s portrayal of American heroes.
Corenswet, set to be the twelfth actor to don the cape, revealed this disheartening change during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning. He explained his decision not to include “the American way” in Superman’s mantra, suggesting that the character, when stripped of his public persona, is only a reflection of “values” rather than embodying the essence of American ideals.
This is a blatant departure from the original formulation of the slogan, which has been celebrated since its debut in 1952 during the opening of The Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves. The character was created to inspire a nation, symbolizing not just justice, but the unyielding spirit of America—what happened to that?
Corenswet’s characterization of Superman as a “complex” and angsty individual is emblematic of a broader narrative shift in today’s filmmaking. Gone is the unwavering hero; instead, we’re presented with a portrayal that highlights insecurity and uncertainty. This undermines the foundational strength we expect from our icons.
“Just like when a firefighter comes home, they might get frustrated,” Corenswet argues, drawing a parallel that fails to resonate. A superhero should embody strength and resilience—not a comparison to everyday frustrations.
This is not the first time Hollywood has hijacked an all-American superhero, stripping them of their patriotic essence. When the first Captain America movie came out, Marvel quickly distanced themselves from the idea of the Captain as a “flag waver,” instead promoting a tepid version of patriotism.
Similarly, actor Anthony Mackie’s portrayal also casts a negative light on America, suggesting that there’s more wrong than right in our nation. He even discarded the traditional red, white, and blue, further distancing the character from its roots.
In 2016, the DC film Wonder Woman attempted to erase the character’s patriotic World War Two origins to avoid any semblance of pro-Americanism, opting instead for a timeline that diverted from America’s heroic narrative. These are not mere creative choices; they are calculated attempts to reshape the cultural fabric.
Americans deserve heroes that embody our values, not characters who reflect a distorted view of our nation. It’s time to demand integrity and authenticity in storytelling. When will Hollywood understand that the essence of our heroes lies in their American identity?
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