The Hollywood Reporter is doubling down on its report that Warner Bros. and DC are searching for a Black actor and director to helm its upcoming Black Superman reboot.
Rumors of a Black Superman film started after it was announced that Ta-Nehisi Coates is writing a Superman reboot with J.J. Abrams producing under his Bad Robot label. It’s said that Abrams isn’t tone-deaf and isn’t looking to direct the film, so the studio is looking for a Black director instead. That search has begun, but there isn’t a rush as the script isn’t expected to be delivered until mid-December.
The Hollywood Reporter says that the aim is for a Black Superman to be introduced in a movie that doesn’t take place in the DC Extended Universe. In fact, Coates is said to have been inspired by the original comics. Coates’ protagonist will “hail from Krypton and come to Earth,” and it could be a “20th century period piece.” DC has previously had a Black Superman named Calvin Ellis, but it’s unknown if that name will be used here.
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One actor that has been floated around by fans is Creed star Michael B. Jordan. In fact, a Black Superman film was an idea that Jordan tried to pitch to the studio in 2019, but it never came to fruition. With it now in production, this could see Jordan get to star in the upcoming blockbuster. However, the actor hasn’t heard anything of the sort so far.
“To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor,” said Coates about the upcoming film when it was first announced. “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.”