Dean Cain Reflects on Superman’s Values and Hollywood
Over three decades later, Dean Cain still thinks Superman embodies the American spirit.
As the lead in ABC’s “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” Cain captivated countless viewers with his portrayal of the iconic superhero.
Interestingly, his journey into Hollywood wasn’t by design. Initially, he had aspirations of becoming a professional football player and signed with the Buffalo Bills in 1988, but a severe knee injury cut his NFL dreams short before he could even step onto the field for a regular season game.
In recent years, Cain has become a vocal conservative, often sharing his critiques of Hollywood and challenging mainstream entertainment values.
“Our country is the most giving, the most caring nation ever. For me, it’s about truth, justice, and the American Way. I really believe in that. We’re not perfect, sure, but we’re always trying to improve. I love this country,” he expressed.
Reflecting on America, he quoted Benjamin Franklin, “I’m fully committed to preserving this republic, if we can preserve it.” Despite the ups and downs, he voiced satisfaction with the current administration and optimism about the direction we’re heading.
Cain believes that Hollywood is facing significant challenges, claiming the industry is experiencing a sort of reckoning. “I feel like Hollywood is over in a way…When I first started, there were only three networks. My dad worked in film, so I was familiar with the business. Back then, you had to choose between being a TV or movie actor; that’s not the case anymore,” he noted.
He added, “At one point, you had to be a TV actor to transition to movies. Just look at George Clooney and Johnny Depp. The landscape has shifted drastically.”
He described Hollywood as “very woke,” expressing concern that this shift is harming box office revenue and prompting many to leave California. “I left Hollywood three years ago. Nobody seems to want to stay in California anymore. I produced and directed my last movie there,” he mentioned.
Recent filming took him to Alabama and Texas, illustrating the industry’s growing diversity beyond Hollywood. “The ability to create independent films now is incredible,” he observed. “Platforms are evolving, and I’m actually excited about the direction things are taking, hoping we’re moving past this overly ‘woke’ era.”
Cain sees the essence of Superman rooted in the values of small-town America. “He was meant to represent the best of us, the embodiment of hope raised by down-to-earth parents,” he explained. “Sure, there are versions of Superman that depict him in darker ways, but I appreciate the take where he’s shaped by wholesome American ideals.”
Having recently relocated to Nevada, Cain has shifted his focus a bit. He cited political reasons for leaving California, such as burdensome taxes and regulations. “I could see it was deteriorating,” he admitted. “My parents had moved to Nevada a bit earlier, and they loved it—lower costs and no state income tax made it appealing. It’s a great place for entertainment and there’s a film industry here too,” he added.
Now, with a fresh start, Cain’s career might be taking an unexpected turn. “I met with Governor Lombardo, and I think he’s doing a fantastic job. I’ve been approached about running for state senator or even governor. If I truly believed I could improve Nevada, I might consider it, but I’m not interested in being a politician. I think we need more citizen politicians, not those chasing power or fame.”
He concluded, “If I could genuinely help people, that should be the goal of anyone entering politics. Unfortunately, many seem driven by different motivations.”
