James Gunn revealed the deeper meaning behind Superman in his interview with The Times of London on Friday. In his profile with Jonathan Dean, Gunn went on to speak about the themes and concepts that are the core of this highly awaited reprisal of the beloved superhero. Gunn views this Superman as “the story of America,” and at its core is about a human seeking a greater “life away from his original home.” Gunn explained, “An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.” And when Dean asked if the plot might have played out in “say, blue state New York—aka Metropolis,” rather than rural Kansas where Kent grows up, Gunn answers that while yes, it would play out differently, it’s more “about human kindness, and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.”

He explained further, “Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level it’s about morality. Do you never kill no matter what—which is what Superman believes—or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”

Superman stars David Corenswet as Clarke Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo as Kimmy Olsen, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. Gunn’s highly anticipated reprisal of the Man of Steel releases in theaters this Friday, July 11.