WB ‘Committed’ to Hiring Black Star & Director for New ‘Superman’ Film

Warner Bros. decided to stir the pot a bit recently when it was revealed that they are rebooting Superman with J.J. Abrams as a producer and Ta-Nehisi Coates set to write the script. Speculation immediately grew that this could lead to a Black actor starring in the role of Superman. We’ve seen this in the comics before, but a Black actor has never portrayed the character in a live-action format.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. is “committed to hiring a Black director to tackle what will be the first cinematic incarnation of Superman featuring a Black actor.” While many expect Michael B. Jordan to take on the role, he suggested to THR last month that he’s not planning on playing the role. If Jordan isn’t in the running, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the studio will target an unknown actor for the role.

THR also listed some possible directorial choices. Acclaimed Moonlight director Barry Jenkins, Creed II‘s Steven Caple Jr. and One Night in Miami director Regina King are all in the running. Shaka King of Judas and the Black Messiah fame could also be a strong choice. Out of all the names listed, Jenkins is probably the most interesting. He’s got a strong artistic voice that doesn’t exactly scream blockbuster movies.

This news is no doubt going to stir controversy but it’s still very early in the process. Perhaps this is just going to be a separate movie from the current DC universe of films. There are many who are big fans of Henry Cavill and would like to see him get another shot at the role. While this news makes it appear that he’s donned the cape for the last time, that isn’t necessarily a guarantee.