Casting retains a white male Superman in David Corenswet, with a diverse ensemble including Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific (drawing from existing Black comic iterations) and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl that feels organic to modern DC comics rather than forced DEI swaps clashing with source material. James Gunn's pre-release emphasis on Superman's immigrant story and 'human kindness' fueled conservative backlash labeling it woke, but the film itself downplays these into background elements, avoiding lectures, overt critiques of traditional norms, or prominence of oppression narratives.

A controversial origin twist portrays Kryptonians as potential conquerors whom Superman rejects for Earth values, undercutting any pro-immigration propaganda. Audience and critic reception is highly positive with 95%+ Rotten Tomatoes audience score and massive box office success, praising its fun, comic-accurate entertainment free of preachiness.