7 May –It looks like Superman will not be a white man for the first time in movie history, as it was reported that Warner Bros. is committed to finding a black actor and director to helm the movie that is currently being developed by author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Insiders recently revealed that the studio, which is now championing for more diversity, is now looking at several African-American filmmakers to direct the project, including Steven Caple Jr. ("Creed II"), J.D. Dillard ("Sweetheart"), Regina King ("One Night in Miami"), and Shaka King ("Judas and the Black Messiah"). It is noted that JJ Abrams was originally picked to direct the movie, but that Warner Bros is changing its mind now, saying that it would be tone-deaf for the "Star Wars" director to be helming a project written by and starring a POC (person of colour).
It was previously rumoured that "Black Panther" actor Michael B. Jordan would be playing Superman, but nothing had since been confirmed. Known for writing cultural, social, and political issues, Ta-Nehisi Coates has published three non-fiction books including the award-winning "Between the World and Me", and has also written a Black Panther series and a Captain America series for Marvel Comics. At the same time, it was reported that the new Superman will not be part of the DC Extended Universe, and will instead take place in its own universe similar to the upcoming "The Batman" movie. Coates' Kal-El will also be crafted in the vein of the original Superman comics and will have the character hail from Krypton. Nonetheless, Coates isn't expected to complete his script until mid-December, so many changes could be happening before then.