James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman reboot is set to hit theaters on July 11, but the buzz leading up to the release has taken a political turn. In a recent interview, Gunn described Superman as “an immigrant’s immigrant,” reinforcing the character’s longstanding metaphor for hope, kindness, and the American dream. But this framing hasn’t sat well with everyone.

Right-wing commentators and political figures have criticized the film for what they perceive as a “woke” reinterpretation of the superhero. Among them, Fox News contributors and conservative commentators have taken aim at the film, calling it overly ideological. Former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway even predicted it would “bomb worse than Snow White did,” referencing the poorly received Disney remake.

Despite the backlash, Gunn remains firm in his creative direction. “This film is for everyone,” he said, “and it’s about kindness—not politics.” His brother, actor Sean Gunn, also defended the vision, explaining that the film’s message aligns with Superman’s origins as an alien finding belonging on Earth—a narrative deeply rooted in immigration and acceptance.

Early screenings have reportedly received positive feedback, especially for David Corenswet’s performance as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. Whether the film will rise above the political noise remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Gunn’s Superman is already a cultural flashpoint before its official release.

Lena Dunham, the creator and star of Girls, has spoken out about the harsh scrutiny she’s faced throughout her career, calling the body-shaming in Hollywood “merciless.” In a candid interview with Variety, Dunham reflected on how the criticism persisted no matter what size she was — whether thinner due to illness or simply aging naturally.

“Whether I was a size 4 or a size 16, there were always opinions about my body,” she shared. “Hollywood remains merciless toward body image.”

Dunham revealed that part of her decision to step away from acting was influenced by the toll this scrutiny took on her mental health. While the body positivity movement once gained momentum, she believes it has lost visibility in recent years.

Currently, Dunham is focused on her new series Too Much, where she serves as showrunner and mentor to rising star Megan Stalter. She says protecting her cast from the kind of criticism she endured is a top priority.

“I can handle people coming for me, but I won’t stay quiet when they come for someone just trying to do their job,” she added.

Her words come at a time when Hollywood is again being called to reflect on its standards, its messaging, and how it treats women of all sizes — especially those behind the scenes and in positions of creative power.

Cierra Ortega’s family has finally spoken out following her removal from Love Island USA amid outrage over resurfaced social media posts, where she used an anti-Asian slur to describe her eyes.

In a statement shared on Instagram, her family opened up about the emotional toll the past week has taken on them, calling it “one of the most painful weeks of our lives.” While they acknowledged the controversy and the need for accountability, they also pointed out how things online have spiraled beyond reason.

“The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters — it’s heartbreaking,” the statement read. “It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made.”

They explained that while Cierra is no longer in the Love Island villa, she also hasn’t been able to fully process what’s happened or speak for herself just yet. But they expressed faith in her, writing that she’ll return and face everything “with honesty, growth, and grace.”

The message struck a balance between reflection and resolve — reminding people that Cierra is not just a public figure but also a daughter, a friend, and someone who will take responsibility in her own time and voice.

The statement closed with a simple ask: compassion. “For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this.”

In a moment where outrage travels fast, Cierra’s family is asking for something slower — patience, understanding, and a little bit of humanity.