It has been confirmed that Ta-Nahisi Coates is writing the upcoming Superman reboot for Warner Brothers. J.J. Abrams and his Bad Robot label are producing.
It is being reported that this project will feature a Black Superman. In 2019, upon signing a development deal with WB, Michael B. Jordan attempted to develop such a project, and according to a “source” (courtesy the Hollywood Reporter), he could still potentially star in this reboot.
Coates is writing the screenplay for Wrong Answer which Jordan is attached to star in. That picture will be directed by Ryan Coogler.
There are two black Supermen in the comics: Calvin Ellis, who debuted in the Final Crisis series, who was the President of the United States in his parallel universe, and Val-Zod, the Superman from the Earth-2 series.
Henry Cavill has declared that he isn’t finished with the role of Superman/Clark Kent, but he is not currently attached to this project. (Obviously.)
Then again, Ben Affleck is expected to be back as Batman in The Flash, even though Warner Brothers has a different Batman, Robert Pattinson, starring in The Batman. And of course, there are two distinct Jokers, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jared Leto. It now appears that there will soon be two Men of Steel in the DC film franchise as well.
Coates is an acclaimed and prolific journalist and writer of non-fiction. He won the National Book Award in 2015 for Between the World and Me. However, Coates has some superhero experience, having written the Black Panther and Captain America comics for Marvel. He received special thanks credits on Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther.
Coates’ non-fiction/journalism work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Village Voice, TIME, New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, and more.
Coates exclusively released a statement through Shadow and Act, a website that focuses on Black actors and creators in the entertainment industry. He wrote:
“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.”
Abrams added, through the same outlet:
“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.”
Finally, Warner Bros. Pictures Group chairman, Toby Emmerich added:
“Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me opened a window and changed the way many of us see the world. We’re confident that his take on Superman will give fans a new and exciting way to see the Man of Steel.”
Abrams and Bad Robot are also developing a Justice League Dark movie for HBO Max.
Check back for updates on this new Superman project as it progresses.
