The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Episode: Hour 2 - Superman Fans Go After Clay Release Date: July 10, 2025
Introduction to the Superman Controversy
In this episode, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the heated debate surrounding the new Superman movie directed by James Gunn. The controversy sparked when Gunn publicly described Superman as an immigrant, intertwining the beloved superhero with contemporary political themes. Clay shares his initial reaction and the unexpected backlash he received for his take on the film.
Notable Quotes:
- Clay Travis [02:04]: “I got a sense that my take on Superman, the new movie, had gone mega viral.”
- Buck Sexton [02:57]: “So when you see the Suntory commercials with Clay Travis in them or Sapporo, you will know that this is Clay is big in Japan.”
Breaking Down James Gunn’s Statement
Clay highlights James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman as an immigrant, emphasizing its political undertones. He criticizes Gunn for making the character a symbol for immigration, arguing that it detracts from Superman’s traditional role as a universal hero.
Notable Quotes:
- Clay Travis [03:54]: “James Gunn says Superman is about an immigrant that came from other places. How we've lost the value of basic human kindness.”
- Buck Sexton [03:24]: “If we were talking like late 90s, early 2000s movies, I was absolutely dialed in. I had my favorite directors, my favorite actors, you know, excited about.”
Audience Backlash and Personal Reflections
Clay recounts the overwhelming negative reactions from Superman fans, including vitriolic messages and threats. He shares a particularly harsh message received on Instagram, illustrating the intense division among the fanbase.
Notable Quotes:
- Clay Travis [06:17]: “Your family will burn for this.”
- Caller [06:17]: “Your family will burn for this.”
Legal Perspective on Superman’s Status
Buck provides a legal analysis, arguing that Superman should be considered an asylum seeker rather than an immigrant. He breaks down Superman’s origins and his status on Earth, contrasting it with real-world immigration scenarios.
Notable Quotes:
- Buck Sexton [07:25]: “Superman is an alien. He is not a human being who is subject to another jurisdiction on this planet and has citizenship elsewhere.”
- Clay Travis [09:05]: “Superman is actually a true asylum seeker. His planet was destroyed. All his culture and people are destroyed.”
Discussion on Birthright Citizenship
The hosts engage in a broader discussion about birthright citizenship, using Superman’s origin as a springboard. Clay argues that the concept is a relic of colonial times, questioning its applicability in modern society.
Notable Quotes:
- Clay Travis [27:45]: “The irony here to me, Buck, is the people who claim that they hate colonization are actually arguing for a relic of colonization when they are saying birthright citizenship should still exist.”
- Buck Sexton [28:40]: “It was quite risky, expensive, and dangerous to even set foot on American shores.”
Listener Reactions and Further Calls
Multiple listeners call in to express their support and frustration. One caller, Joe from Massachusetts, defends Superman’s traditional values and criticizes the politicization of the character. Another listener, Lynn from St. George, Utah, praises the show and shares her thoughts on the new Jurassic movie.
Notable Quotes:
- Joe [29:12]: “Superman represents universal values like truth, justice and protecting the innocent, not some policy debate.”
- Caller [24:03]: “I went and saw the new Jurassic movie and I just have to say you'll love it. It was entertaining.”
Best Depictions of Superman
Buck and Clay reminisce about the best portrayals of Superman, with Buck naming Christopher Reeve as the definitive Superman. They contrast these classic interpretations with recent portrayals, expressing disappointment in modern adaptations.
Notable Quotes:
- Buck Sexton [17:12]: “Christopher Reeve. Thank you. That's the best Superman.”
- Clay Travis [18:36]: “DC Comics in general have really kind of bombed compared to the Marvel movies.”
Final Thoughts and Future Directions
As the discussion winds down, Clay and Buck touch on other topics, including potential future episodes and listener engagement. They emphasize the importance of creating apolitical entertainment and express hope for a resurgence of universally appealing superhero films.
Notable Quotes:
- Clay Travis [18:36]: “Just make movies everybody can love. Just make them designed for everybody.”
- Buck Sexton [34:41]: “We're going to be doing more and more video stuff, especially going into 2026.”
Conclusion
This episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between superhero narratives and modern politics. Clay and Buck offer critical perspectives on the new Superman movie, engage with passionate listener feedback, and advocate for a return to apolitical storytelling in mainstream media. Their candid conversation underscores the challenges of balancing beloved fictional characters with evolving societal themes.