That phrase appears in a quiet little scene between Clark and Lois. She calls herself a punk rocker from the city - skeptical, jaded, hardened by life and the news cycle. Clark, on the other hand, believes people are inherently good. That they worth saving. That they’re wonderful. And then Clark, in his soft Kansas way, says the words that hit me like a Daily Planet headline:
“Maybe that’s the real punk rock.”
Boom. That’s the key. That’s the movie. That’s the world we live in right now.
See, somewhere along the way, being kind became uncool. Being hopeful became cringe. We built entire platforms on sarcasm, detachment, and choosing violence in the comments. And in that landscape, being earnest is the most rebellious thing you can do. Choosing to care - to genuinely, painfully care - is punk as hell.
Clark Kent walks into a world that is angry, noisy, and deeply suspicious. Everyone has chosen a side and expects him to do the same. But he doesn’t. Not because he’s neutral. Not because he doesn’t care. But because he does. Because he believes every life is worth something. He doesn’t fight for America. He doesn’t fight for politics. He fights for humanity.
He doesn’t want to be a god. He wants to be human. He just wants everyone to be okay.
That’s why all the political commentary in the movie feels like static. It is static. It’s intentional noise, meant to overwhelm, distract, and confuse. But Superman isn’t listening to the noise. He’s focused on saving the girl AND the monster that's about to step on her, he's focused on helping the invaded while NOT killing the invader - Everyone is worth saving. No matter their beliefs. No matter their side. No matter their size.
In a world that constantly demands us to pick a side and rage against the other, Superman says, “I choose love.” And that’s not weakness. That’s resistance. That’s punk rock. And not in the dyed-hair, safety-pins-in-your-face way. In the real way. The dangerous way. The way that says, “I refuse to become part of the machine. I choose something better.”
That’s why viewers saw what they wanted to see. Because they’re used to sides. They’re used to tribalism. But Superman is on no side. He’s above it. Not in a condescending way - in a compassionate way. He listens to the whole planet at once and still manages to care about each individual voice.
So yeah, maybe James Gunn didn’t try to make a political movie. Maybe he made a radical one instead. One that dares to say hope isn’t naïve, kindness isn’t weakness, and being good is cool again.
In 2025, believing in people might just be the most rebellious act there is.
