“He went from saving the world on screen to chasing headlines off it” – Stephen Colbert takes a ruthless swipe at Dean Cain, saying his only real super power now is being ‘super BS’, after the former Superman vows to be sworn in as an ICE agent ASAP, igniting a bitter war of words that refuses to cool

Once hailed as a beloved TV Superman, Dean Cain has now found himself in the crosshairs of late-night comedy—and the fury of a divided public. Stephen Colbert didn’t hold back, delivering a razor-edged punchline that painted Cain not as the hero fans remember, but as a man trading his cape for controversy. The actor’s public declaration that he will be “sworn in as an ICE agent ASAP” has unleashed a wildfire of backlash, applause, and disbelief. Was this a bold stand, a desperate grab for relevance, or something more personal simmering beneath the surface?

Catch the full story to see why this feud is spiraling into something far bigger than just a late-night joke.

In what will be remembered as one of the most surprising celebrity pivots in recent memory, former Superman star Dean Cain has traded the image of saving the world on screen for a very different mission — pledging to be sworn in as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent “as soon as possible.” The announcement, delivered with unwavering conviction, sparked an uproar that quickly spiraled into a public showdown, late-night mockery, and a bitter national debate.

The catalyst? A razor-sharp quip from Stephen Colbert, who told his audience that Cain’s only real superpower now was being “super BS.” It was a jab that didn’t just land — it detonated.

Dean Cain attends The Algemeiner’s Jewish 100 Gala at Capitale on October 25, 2023 in New York City.Jamie McCarthy/ Getty Images

The Announcement That Lit the Fuse

It started innocently enough — or so it seemed. On Tuesday, Cain took to social media to promote ICE career opportunities, writing that he felt it was important “to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it.” The post caught fire online, drawing both praise and fury in equal measure.

By the next evening, Cain doubled down on national television. Appearing on Jesse Watters Primetime, the 59-year-old actor revealed he had already spoken to ICE officials and would be sworn in “ASAP.” Hours later, ICE confirmed he would be named an honorary officer within weeks, citing a newly announced waiver of age limits for applicants.

For Cain, this was a public declaration of purpose. For his critics, it was a grenade rolled into one of the most polarizing debates in America.

Colbert Strikes Back

The news made its way to Stephen Colbert’s desk, and the late-night host did not hesitate to pounce. “He went from saving the world on screen to chasing headlines off it,” Colbert told his audience, his delivery dripping with irony. Then came the punchline — “His only real superpower now? Being super BS.” The crowd erupted.

Colbert’s remark wasn’t just a joke. It was an invitation for the public to question Cain’s motives, framing his ICE enlistment not as a principled stand, but as a calculated performance. And in the age of viral soundbites, the line spread across social media like wildfire.

A History That Cuts Both Ways

Cain’s foray into law enforcement isn’t without precedent. In 2019, he joined the Pocatello Police Department in Idaho as a reserve officer, later becoming a sworn sheriff’s deputy in Frederick County, Virginia. But unlike those quieter commitments, this ICE announcement hit a cultural nerve — hard.

The man who once donned the cape in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman now found himself cast in a very different role: lightning rod. His critics accused him of grandstanding, while his supporters hailed him as a patriot unafraid of controversy. The polarity was so intense that even his past Hollywood roles were suddenly being reexamined through a political lens.

The Feud Refuses to Cool

If Cain hoped the outrage would blow over, Colbert’s barb ensured it wouldn’t. The late-night swipe fanned the flames, prompting Cain loyalists to rally to his defense while opponents amplified the insult. Hashtags mocking the “super BS” line began trending, while conservative commentators blasted Colbert for disrespecting law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Cain remained publicly defiant. In interviews, he insisted his decision was about action over words — “helping secure the safety of all Americans,” as he put it. But the conversation had already shifted. What began as a personal announcement had evolved into a cultural flashpoint, one part celebrity drama, one part political battlefield.

And as the feud continued to smolder, one thing became clear: the man who once symbolized heroism for millions was now playing a far riskier role — one where the battle isn’t scripted, the audience isn’t guaranteed to cheer, and the fallout could last far longer than any TV season.