The Search Is On For The Next Superman

After Michael B. Jordan gave a swift denial of the possibility of him taking on the role of Superman in the new cinematic iteration of the character being written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Hollywood Reporter is letting out word on the long list of possibilities for who might be involved, as Warner Bros. and DC are on the hunt for not only their new Superman, but also their new director. 

According to insiders, the studios are committed to hiring a Black director for the project, as Coates’ story will be the first on the big screen to focus on a Black Superman. The list of potentials apparently includes J.D. Dillard, Regina King, Shaka King, and Steven Caple Jr. 

The trouble is that DC and Warners see themselves competing at the moment with Marvel, who are also looking for a director to helm their upcoming Blade film, starring Mahershala Ali. THR’s sources say that some of the potential directors have already met with both studios to have discussions about each film, although those processes are still in very early stages. 

While the search for the actor to play the new Superman is even more mysterious at the moment, one other interesting tidbit from THR’s report is that Coates’ script allegedly may be a period piece. While he is apparently keeping Superman’s origins more or less the same (born on Krypton, comes to Earth, etc.), it seems the film may be set sometime during the 20th century. 

As the film will allegedly exist outside of the DCEU that has been established to this point, Coates has free rein to do as he pleases with this new iteration of the iconic character, and all eyes will be watching to see what he comes up with – and who will be playing the heroic figure.