Author Ta-Nehisi Coates was asked to write a new Superman film for DC Films and Warner Bros., with JJ Abrams and his Bad Robot also on board to produce.
Although the project is at the beginning of its development, Variety reports that Coates’ Superman film – as the next Batman – it would be more of a reboot of the Man of Steel franchise than a continuation of the current history of Superman.
“Being invited to DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor,” said Coates in a statement. “I’m looking forward to adding significantly to the legacy of America’s most iconic mythical hero.”
Abrams added in a statement: “There is a new, powerful and moving story of Superman yet to be told. We couldn’t be more excited to work with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring this story to the big screen and we are very grateful to the Warner Bros. team. for the opportunity.
The National Book Award winner for Between the world and me, Coates is well versed in the world of comics, writing an acclaimed Black Panther series that started in 2016, as well as a 25-issue storyline for captain America in 2018.
The Hollywood Reporter speculates that Coates’ script may be linked to a dark plot of the comic book Superman; actor Michael B. Jordan had already tried to bring this character to the big screen in 2018.
“Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the world and me opened a window and changed the way many of us see the world, ”said the president of Warner Bros. Pictures, Toby Emmerich, in a statement. “We are confident that your opinion of Superman will give fans a new and exciting way to see the Man of Steel.”