Search begins for the first black superman: Newest superhero movie will feature black lead

Search begins for the first black superman: Newest superhero movie will feature black lead, director and script-writer

  • While no director or star has yet been announced there are several candidates 
  • Coates, who expanded the world of Wakanda for Marvel, will write the script
  • After his name was linked with the role Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan said in late April: ‘I’m flattered that people have me in that conversation’ 
  • But producers could also pick an unknown name, The Hollywood Reporter adds
  • Previous Supermans include Christopher Reeve, Tom Welling in Smallville and Dean Cain in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman
  • As for who will direct the movie those in the running are said to include Barry Jenkins, Ryan Coogler, Steven Caple Jr., J.D. Dillard, Regina King and Shaka King 

The new Superman movie will feature a black actor in the lead role for the first time ever and a black director at the helm, according to a report Wednesday.      

Ta-Nehisi Coates, the acclaimed novelist who expanded the world of Wakanda for Marvel comics, will also write the script for the new film from Warner Bros.

While no director or star has yet been announced there are several candidates for the roles, according to The Hollywood Reporter

After his name was linked with the role Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan said in late April: ‘I’m flattered that people have me in that conversation.

‘It’s definitely a compliment, but I’m just watching on this one.’ 

But producers could also pick an unknown name, The Reporter adds. 

Previous Supermans include Christopher Reeve, Tom Welling in Smallville and Dean Cain in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. 

The last time that Superman was seen on screen was in the 2017 film Justice League, where the character was portrayed by Henry Cavill. 

As for who will direct the movie those in the running are said to include Barry Jenkins, Ryan Coogler, Steven Caple Jr., J.D. Dillard, Regina King and Shaka King.

Jenkins directed Oscar winning Moonlight, Caple Jr. worked on Creed II and Regina King was behind One Night in Miami. 

Shaka King is best known for directing and co-writing Judas and the Black Messiah. 

J.J. Abrams, who is producing the film, is not among those being considered to direct. A source said that to hand him that role would be ‘tone deaf’.   

‘To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor,’ said Coates in a statement. ‘I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America´s most iconic mythic hero.’

Coates is best known as the author of bestsellers including ‘Between the World and Me,’ ‘The Beautiful Struggle’ and ‘We Were Eight Years in Power.’ 

Since 2016, he has also penned the Black Panther comics for Marvel, with artist Brian Stelfreeze, a run concluding with a final issue in April. He was thanked in the credits of Ryan Coogler’s 2018 film ‘Black Panther.’

Christopher Reeve pictured as Superman in 1983

Henry Cavill pictured at Superman in 2013

Henry Cavill pictured at Superman in 2013 

‘Ta-Nehisi Coates´s `Between the World and Me´ opened a window and changed the way many of us see the world,’ said Toby Emmerich, chairman of 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.’ 

‘There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told,’ said Abrams. ‘We couldn´t be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen.’