Brandon Routh takes a dig at Dean Cain while advocating for masks, fans say 'this is how Superman should act'
Several days ago, Dean Cain made headlines as he slammed the cancel culture in response to an article that called for a re-imagining of superheroes. The actor stated that the internet today would not allow Superman to say "The American Way". Another Superman actor, Brandon Routh, however, refuted this with a pro-mask message on social media that proves there's plenty of room this July 4 online for the "American Way".
"I don’t always play a superhero, but when I do... I care about those around me & if there was the slightest chance I could spread a highly contagious deadly virus to my loved ones/strangers without my awareness, I’d wear a mask," writes Routh. "Protecting fellow citizens honors the #AmericanWay." While Routh does not mention Cain specifically, Cain has been known for his anti-mask messages online, mocking the necessity of having to wear a mask to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Routh's use of the #AmericanWay hashtag is also an obvious response to Cain's 'Fox & Friends' interview. In the tweet, Routh wears a mask covered in the Superman logo. Both Routh and Cain have portrayed Superman in live-action properties — Cain on 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' and Routh on 'Superman Returns'. Routh got the chance to reprise his role as Superman on the recent television crossover 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'.
Fans are thrilled to have a Superman actor whose message they can stand behind. "@RealDeanCain pass it on. Learn from this Superman. Be the hero we need or at least teach others to be the hero like Brandon is and Christopher reeve was decades ago. Thank you Brandon and stop showing off with your cool mask," writes one Twitter user. "Hey Dean Cain this is how superman acts!" writes another. "So glad to see a real Superman speaking up for truth, justice, and the American way," writes this fan. Other Twitter users shared their own Superman masks in the response thread to the tweet.
Cain may have soured fans' appreciation for his live-action superhero role, but actors like Routh are keeping their faith in the Superman role alive. It's also notable that Routh's post is not being decried for his use of #AmericanWay, quite effectively proving Cain wrong.