What the hell is DC Films going to do with Superman? That’s the question that has been on the minds of superhero fans for years now, particularly after the poor release of 2017’s “Justice League,” which seemed to put a nail in the coffin of Henry Cavill’s future as the iconic hero. Well, now we know that DC Films and Warner Bros. are moving ahead with a new “Superman” film, but the writer chosen to pen the script opens up even more questions and possibilities that lead to even more speculation.
According to Shadow and Act, Ta-Nehisi Coates has been hired to write the script for a new “Superman” film that will be produced by JJ Abrams and his Bad Robot production company. Now, if you’re wondering where Zack Snyder fits into all of this and what this might mean for Henry Cavill, well, we don’t have answers. But seeing the statements from those involved, it does appear that Coates’ take on “Superman” is going to be something brand-new.
“To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor,” said Coates. “I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America’s most iconic mythic hero.”
JJ Abrams added, “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.”
“Ta-Nehisi Coates’s ‘Between the World and Me’ opened a window and changed the way many of us see the world,” added Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We’re confident that his take on Superman will give fans a new and exciting way to see the Man of Steel.”
As Emmerich mentioned, Coates is probably best known for his best-selling book, “Between the World and Me,” which looked at the issues of racism and prejudice in the United States. He’s also no stranger to superhero work, actually. Previous to this “Superman” news, Coates had been writing the “Black Panther” comics over at Marvel for multiple years, revolutionizing the character in its original medium, much like Ryan Coogler did on film.
Speaking of “Black Panther,” does this mean we might actually see the Michael B. Jordan “Superman” film that people have been speculating about for years now? As recent as December 2019, Jordan didn’t outright deny the rumors that WB was looking at him as the next Man of Steel. All he said is that it would have to be done in “the right way.” Well, hiring Coates is definitely a big step in the right direction if he’s hoping for a new take on Superman.
But again, it has to be stressed that it’s unclear what this means for Cavill and the larger DCEU. Will this “Superman” film take place in an alternate universe, similar to what WB did with the upcoming “The Batman?” Or is this a continuation of the current DCEU focusing on a new character taking up the mantle of Superman. At this point, if Cavill isn’t involved, you just have to hope that whatever the studio does, it’s in the best interest of the story and the character and doesn’t feel beholden to years of film continuity.
All that to say, bring on Michael B. Jordan’s Clark Kent!
Update: if the intent isn’t already obvious, a THR writer makes it clear.