As the “Man of Steel” has been periodically ever since his creation in 1933, Superman is once again in the spotlight following the release of his newest feature film on July 11^th, 2025.  

James Gunn’s latest iteration of the DC Comics hero was highly anticipated by fans and did very well at the box office its opening weekend… yet, in typical fashion in today’s America, everyone’s favorite Kryptonian superhero has resultingly been the rope in a tug-of-war between liberals and conservatives. 

The movie’s release amidst ICE deportations and related protests, paired with James Gunn’s own liberal tendencies, caused many on the Left to enthusiastically use the film as pop culture support of undocumented immigrants, referring to the Man of Steel himself as an illegal alien (literally) who was given sanctuary here. And, given most media is controlled by entities friendly to that idea, that’s where much of the conversation has stayed – a fictional immigrant as the poster-child for protesting President Trump’s immigration policies. 

Often, liberal ideology is wrong on a philosophical or ethical front, as is the case with abortion. In the case of Superman, it’s wrong on a more literal level. After all, Superman isn’t an immigrant. He’s a U.S. citizen via adoption. 

It’s true we don’t exactly have copies of Mr. & Mrs. Kent’s adoption papers and proof of legal guardianship, which wouldn’t have made for a very engaging comic strip. But it’s pretty plainly obvious that Clark Kent is canonically an adoptee. 

The original 1938 comic that introduced Superman to the world details how a humanoid alien baby, Kal-El, was sent away on a spaceship by his father before the impending doom of his planet, Krypton. Kal-El’s parents were lost in the destruction, the baby was found on Earth by a couple, the Kents, and he was adopted and raised by them.  

Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen pointed out a poignant assessment from the hero’s creators that gives a nod towards the beauty of his adoption: 

Back when the original 1978 “Superman” film was released, The New York Times spoke with Christopher Reeve – the actor who portrayed Clark Kent in the movie. He told the reporter, “Before we started filming, we met with the guys who do the comic books —bright guys. We sat around a table, and they said there are two things you have to remember about Superman: 

“A. He’s an orphan, and that governs his emotional behavior; 

“B. He’s an alien, and what makes him super is he’s got the wisdom to use his powers well.” (emphasis added) 

Reeve went on: 

“The Man of Steel aspect is totally exaggerated. He’s only super because he happens to come from another planet. If he’d grown up back on Krypton, he might have been a plumber.” 

Clark Kent has the “superpower” to use his abilities well (i.e. for good and not evil) because he was given a chance at a redemptive life thanks to his adoption by a loving family. He came from tragedy – a planet destroyed – and rose from those ashes due to the love and care of his adoptive parents.  

We love a good adoption story no matter the context, though it should go without saying that there are countless amazing, inspiring real-life examples for every Hollywood one. If Superman has put you in the mood for more theatrical renditions of adoption stories, check out our list of movies. Our real world is a more lovely place thanks to adoption. 

In decades past, Superman was more likely to be watched (and read, back in the heyday of the comic book) by families and emulated by young boys running around in capes, uncomplicated by politics. While we can’t cleave entertainment from politics like it was in the good old days, we can at least be grateful that the mainstream got it wrong this time with their take on Superman and enjoy this timeless, pro-adoption tale in peace. 

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