New Info on Warner Bros. Black SUPERMAN Film as They Search for an Actor and Director
As you know, J.J. Abrams is producing a new Superman reboot for Warner Bros., and DC author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates was hired to write the script for the film and it will focus on a Black version of Superman.
THR has offered an update on the project saying that the studio and Abrams are looking to hire a Black director and an actor to take on the lead role. Michael B. Jordan was at one point talking with the studio about making this film, but it seems like he’s not involved anymore.
The actor was recently asked about the project in an interview, and he said, “I’m flattered that people have me in that conversation. It’s definitely a compliment, but I’m just watching on this one.” So, it’ll be interesting to see who WB ends up casting in the role.
It’s also explained that this new Superman movie does not take place in the DC Extended Universe. Sources say that “Coates is crafting a Kal-El in the vein of the original Superman comics and will have the protagonist hail from Krypton and come to Earth. While the story is currently being crafted and many details could change, one option under consideration is for the film to be a 20th century period piece.”
As far as the director goes, the report says, “J.J. Abrams, who is producing the film, is not among the many possibilities being considered. When Warners announced in February that celebrated author Ta-Nehisi Coates is writing the screenplay and Abrams is producing, it did not address the matter of helming. But insiders say Warners and DC are committed to hiring a Black director to tackle what will be the first cinematic incarnation of Superman featuring a Black actor, with one source adding that putting Abrams at the helm would be ‘tone-deaf.’”
Some directors mentioned that may being considered include Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II’), J.D. Dillard (Slight), Regina King (One Night in Miami ), and Shaka King (Judas and the Black Messiah). Some of the potential directors have also met with Marvel about directing Blade.
When previously talking about the project Coates said, “To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor. I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America’s most iconic mythic hero.”
While J.J. Abrams said, “There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen, and we’re beyond thankful to the team at Warner Bros. for the opportunity.”
I’m curious to see what this new Superman story will be.