For over 60 years Superman’s motto was “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” but not anymore. It seems that the writers Mike Dougherty and Dan Harris made it that way to have what they believe to be a broader appeal in more worldwide markets.
They are really going for a conservative strikeout with this movie. First strike goes to “The American Way,” second to illegal immigration, and thirdly to the inference that we humans lack the ability to see the light and he is our savior. Check out the movie trailer to see what I mean and judge for yourself.
Strike 1 and 2:
This is an excerpt from an interview with the writers...
In “Superman Returns,” editor of the Daily Planet Perry White says, “Truth, justice and … all of that stuff.”
It looks like the omission was no accident, Mike Dougherty and Dan Harris:
Mike: “When it comes to the American way, that’s tricky.”
Dan: “I don’t think ‘the American way’ means what it meant in 1945.”
Mike: “He’s not just for Metropolis, and not just for America.”
Dan: “He’s an alien, from Krypton; he has come to Earth to be kind of a savior for this world, not our country … And he has no papers.”
Mike: “What would happen with the immigration laws we have now?”
Dan: “I’d like to see someone kick him out!”
Strike 3:
Superman Returns Movie Trailer