JJ Abrams Won’t Direct DC’s Black Superman Movie

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J.J. Abrams will reportedly not direct DC's new Superman movie. Over the course of his career, Abrams has earned the reputation of being a franchise whisperer, becoming a go-to name for Hollywood studios looking to revive some of their top properties. Only one of his directorial efforts is an original movie (2011's Super 8), as he's spent a lot of time breathing new life into the likes of Mission: Impossible, Star Trek, and Star Wars. In some cases, like the upcoming Mission: Impossible 7, Abrams stays involved as producer.

Back in 2019, Abrams' production company, Bad Robot, signed a lucrative deal with WarnerMedia, giving the studio access to WB's rich library of DC characters. It wasn't surprising to hear an Abrams-produced Superman movie reboot is in the works, with Black Panther comics writer Ta-Nehisi Coates penning the script. The film is noteworthy as it will be the first time a Black actor portrays Superman on the big screen. WB is looking for their director, but it won't be Abrams.

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According to a report in THR, it's stated WB wants to hire a Black director for the new Superman project. A source mentioned if Abrams were to call the shots, it would come across as "tone-deaf."

Abrams is known for delivering big-scale blockbuster tentpoles fueled by his kinetic directing style, which would make him a solid fit for a Superman movie. In the case of this particular Superman movie, however, it's arguably for the best Abrams is only involved in a producing capacity. There's been a big push recently for greater diversity on both sides of the camera, giving a variety of talented voices an opportunity to tell their stories. So far, all of WB's movies starring Superman have been helmed by white men. It remains to be seen if WB targets a big name for the Superman reboot or give an unknown a shot at working with the Man of Steel.

While most of the movies Abrams has directed have earned favorable reviews, a common criticism of his approach is he has a tendency to lean too heavily into homage. This is another reason why it might be good he's only producing Superman. The character's been through multiple cinematic iterations since the original movie in 1978, so this new take needs to feel fresh and avoid retreading common ground (especially since it'll be using elements of Superman's comics origin). Handing the reins to a different filmmaker who hasn't played in this sandbox before could give the Superman film franchise a shot in the arm with a new perspective, setting the stage for an exciting future to be explored in sequels.