DC Developing a ‘Superman’ Film Featuring a Black Man of Steel

in DC, Movies

David Corenswet in front of an American flag, Calvin Taking off his shirt to reveal the Superman logo, James Gunn in s special Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 shirt

Credit: Netflix, DC Comics, James Gunn via Instagram

Filmmaker James Gunn has revealed that DC Studios isn’t working on just one Superman feature film; a second one may be on the way. And it is completely different from anything you’ve seen before.

Superman carrying Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen
Credit: Warner Bros.

Related: Everything We Know About ‘Superman: Legacy’

Since James Gunn took control of the DC Universe, fans have been excited for the future of DC Studios. Gunn seems like a superhero savant, having directed the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy for Marvel Studios as well as two of DC’s best projects: The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker (2022-present).

The projects he has lined up down the line seem equally exciting as well, with the DCU’s first chapter, Gods and Monsters, kicking off with two series: Creature Commandos (2024) and Waller (2024). However, the most highly-anticipated project will be Gunn’s first film, Superman: Legacy (2025).

Rachel Brosnahan laughing in Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, David Corenswet looking into the distance in Hollywood
Credit: Amazaon, Netflix

The cast seems to be mostly set for Superman: Legacy, with David Corenswet starring as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan starring as Lois Lane. The film will also feature Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Teriffic, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardener, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, and Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher.

Fans of the Man of Steel are naturally excited for the film and the kick-off for James Gunn’s DCU. However, even more exciting is the news that a second Superman story is reportedly being developed under the DC Elseworlds banner.

A Black Superman Film is Developing Under the ‘DC Elseworlds’ Banner

Calvin Ellis Superman ripping off his shirt to reveal the Superman logo
Credit: DC Comics

One of the most significant announcements to come from James Gunn and DC Studios was the addition of the DC Elseworlds banner. This will feature films not part of the DC Universe but stand in their own world, like The Batman – Part 2 (2024) and Joker: Folie á Deux (2024). Other Elseworlds films in development are Constantine 2 (TBD) and a new Superman film.

Outlets originally reported about the developing movie in 2021, with J.J. Abrams producing and Ta-Nehisi Coates writing the screenplay. Abrams is a well-known figure in film and television for his production company Bad Robot as well as projects like Lost (2004-2010), Cloverfield (2008), Star Trek (2009), Super 8 (2011), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

J.J. Abrams speaking at Comic-Con, Ta-Nehisi Coates smiling at a signing
Credit: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons, David Shankbone via Wikimedia Commons

Related: James Gunn Addresses Controversial ‘Superman: Legacy’ Rumor

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an award-winning author, journalist, and activist most well-known for his work with The Atlantic. He has also written numerous non-fiction books, like Between the World and Me (2015) and We Were Eight Years In Power: An American Tragedy (2017). He also has experience with comics, having written a Black Panther series and a Captain America series for Marvel.

The script has been described as “a 20th-century period piece” revolving around a black Superman. While the restructuring of Warner Bros. looked like it may have killed the project, James Gunn revealed that this wasn’t the case in an interview with io9.

James Gunn with the Superman Logo
Credit: Inside the Magic

Related: James Gunn’s Next Big DC Series Is in the Works, Reports Say

“That’s an exciting movie,” said Gunn. “I know that Chantal Nong, who is the executive on that project, is extremely excited about it. So if it comes in and it’s great, which I haven’t read the script, and if the timing is right, that could absolutely happen. That’s totally unrelated. It would be an Elseworlds tale like Joker.”

Naturally, fans are excited about this potential film, especially with the pedigree behind it. But what’s even more intriguing is that there is already a world where a black Superman is a thing. And it just so happens to be Earth-23.

Calvin Ellis is Arguably the Best Version of the Man of Steel

Calvin Ellis Superman ripping apart a machine
Credit: DC Comics

Related: Henry Cavill To Return as Superman in New DC Movie

Much like Marvel’s Multiverse, there are numerous different worlds and timelines within DC Comics, meaning there is plenty of room for alternate versions of the Man of Steel. This includes Calvin Ellis, arguably one of the best takes on Superman in the entire DC Universe.

Born on Krypton as Kalel, our hero was sent to Earth as his home planet exploded. He was eventually found and saved by the Ellis family, who named him Calvin. As he grew up, the yellow sun would power his Kryptonian powers, transforming Ellis into Superman.

Calvin Ellis Superman and the Justice League from Earth 23
Credit: DC Comics

Related: DC Confirms ‘Superman’ Project Coming to an End Amid Studio Overhaul

He would go on to battle Lex Luthor, build the Fort of Superman, and inspire other heroes to come forward and create Earth-23’s Justice League. He would also be recruited by the Supermen of the Multiverses to battle the vampire god Mandrakk. But arguably, the most impressive part of his existence comes as Calvin Ellis, who is elected President of the United States of America.

Whether Coates’ version of Superman will be Calvin Ellis remains to be seen, but the potential proves there is no shortage of interesting stories within DC Comics for the DC Elseworlds brand to explore.

Are you excited about DC Elseworlds? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

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