WB Committed To Hiring A Black Director For New Superman Movie

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Warner Bros. is set to hire a Black director for its new Superman movie. Over the last decade, Henry Cavill has served as the DC Extended Universe's Superman following his debut in 2013's Man of Steel. He followed that up with appearances in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Most recently, Cavill reprised his role in Zack Snyder's Justice League, but his future as the character beyond that remains uncertain. In May 2020, it was reported Cavill was in talks to return as Superman, likely as a cameo in an upcoming DCEU film. However, since then there have been few updates, with Warner Bros. reportedly uncertain Cavill's Superman could lead a new movie.

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Then, in February came the news J.J. Abrams is producing a new Superman film, which will be a reboot. Black Panther comics writer Ta-Nehisi Coates is writing the script, which will feature a Black actor in the leading role. Warner Bros. has yet to announce who will take on the part of Superman, with Michael B. Jordan responding to speculation in April he could star in the film. The movie's director also remains a mystery, though some new information about Warner Bros.' search has now come to light.

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Per a new THR report, WB is committed to hiring a Black director for its new Superman film. While some may have thought Abrams was a possibility to helm the movie in addition to producing, a source says adding him as director would be "tone-deaf." The report indicates Warner Bros. has already met with some potential directors, though one agent calls it "phenomenally early" in the hiring process. Marvel's upcoming Blade movie is adding an additional wrinkle, with both studios looking at similar directors for their projects.

Once the news came out the new Superman movie would feature a Black Man of Steel, many assumed Warner Bros. would look for a Black director as well. There are many exciting options, and it's interesting to hear Marvel and WB are going head-to-head in their search for leaders of upcoming movies. Since the Superman film is still in the early stages, it's likely it will be awhile before a directing announcement is made. The combination of Abrams and Coates is intriguing on its own, but the eventual director announcement should only increase enthusiasm for the project.

Likewise, interest in the Superman movie will reach new highs when a star is named, and the project becomes a bit more tangible. It makes sense many are rooting for Jordan after his scene-stealing turn as Black Panther's complex villain Killmonger. However, whichever actor winds up with the part will no doubt do the Man of Steel justice, introducing audiences to an exciting new Superman