WB’s Black Superman Actually Is Clark Kent
The new Black Superman will be the Clark Kent we know from the comics.
This article is more than 2 years old
We’re getting a new Superman movie and this time Warner Bros is changing things up for the Man of Steel. Many suspected that our next Superman film might include a Black Superman after the pieces we learned several months ago, but now The Hollywood Reporter has sources with more details. So, what do we know?
Well, back in February, we learned that Bad Robot, J.J. Abrams’s production company, signed on to produce a Superman movie for Warner Bros. We also learned that Ta-Nehisi Coates would be writing the story. These were the only concrete details, though since then rumors have been consistent that we would be seeing our first Black Superman on the screen. Now, The Hollywood Reporter’s sources are confirming that news, and while many thought perhaps the character in question would be Calvin Ellis, a Superman from another an alternate version of Earth, their sources are confirming that Coates’s main character will be Clark Kent himself.
Their sources have said that Ta-Nehisi Coates is currently writing the character as Clark Kent from the original comic series. While people have been guessing that he may be writing a Black Superman ever since he was first announced at the writer, many DC fans were pointing to Calvin Ellis as a likely main character. The news that the Superman film will star Clark Kent is a slight surprise, but not a complete shocker. Ta-Nehisi Coates is an experienced comic book writer. He loves the comics. It makes sense that he would want to take the classic Clark Kent and bring him to life for audiences today.
What can we expect to see of the character for the Black Superman movie? So far, inspiration seems to be coming from the original comics. The upcoming Clark Kent movie will have the character’s original origins story of being born on Krypton and then coming to Earth. It may be safe to assume that we’ll also still be seeing many of the classic elements we expect to see from Clark Kent. For instance, that he wears the thick frame glasses, falls for Lois Lane, and writes at the Daily Planet, though those details weren’t mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter’s sources.
The story is still in the early stages, so much could change over time. However, their sources have told them that currently, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates is considering writing the story as a 20th century period piece.
Many have pointed at Michael B. Jordan as a top choice for a Black Superman, but Jordan himself has said that he doesn’t consider himself in the running at this point. If not him, then who will they cast? Some rumors have spread around John Boyega, but at this time, it sounds like the studio is still searching and in talks. The studio’s current priority seems to be nailing down a director. While some suspected J.J. Abrams may step in himself, The Hollywood Reporter’s sources have said that is not happening. Other outlets have heard the same. Insiders are mostly saying that Warner Bros. is committed to hiring a Black director. With a Black actor in the lead and writer helming the script, that would seem an appropriate move.
Does the new movie with a Black Superman mean Henry Cavill will never play Clark Kent again? No, actually. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s sources, they’re hearing that this new movie by Coates will actually take place in its own DC universe for now, similar to how Joker is separate. While things are still up in the air for Cavill, and many assume we will never see Man of Steel 2 happen, the new movie will be a separate story that won’t affect Cavill’s odds.
