DC's in-development Superman reboot, which will feature a Black actor as the iconic hero, will reportedly keep the character's comics origin story. Superman has been depicted onscreen numerous times over the years, with actors from Christopher Reeve to Brandon Routh playing Clark Kent. Most recently, Henry Cavill stepped into the role for the DCEU and appeared in a total of 3 films (4 if one separates the Snyder Cut from the theatrical Justice League). Despite fans calling for another Superman movie starring Cavill, Warner Bros. is opting to move in an entirely new direction.

Reports of a Superman reboot first emerged in February. J.J. Abrams will serve as a producer, with acclaimed author and comics writer Ta-Nehisi Coates writing the script. No director has been named, and there haven't been any casting announcements. At the same time, it was reported that this project would center on a Black Superman, which would be a first for DC movies. The rumored frontrunner was Michael B. Jordan, though he remained mum on the topic when asked about it recently.

Related: Every Actor Who's Played Superman in Live-Action

Some new details about DC's Superman reboot have emerged courtesy of THR. According to sources familiar with the project, Coates is currently crafting a Superman in the vein of the original comics (and still named Kal-El), and that he'll maintain his Kryptonian origins. It's acknowledged that these details might change, particularly since the script isn't due until mid-December. Additionally, the concept of the movie being 20th century period piece is being considered.

Black Superman President Calvin Ellis

There have been examples of a Black Superman in the comics, such as Calvin Ellis and Val-Zod. Both of these characters also hail from Krypton, but the reported details of the DC reboot indicates Coates is sticking to the original Superman. Naturally, the original announcement was met with some pushback, but as the Kryptonians are an alien race, there really is nothing that says Superman has to be white. In centering a Black man in Kal-El's immigrant origins, this Superman project has the potential to say something truly meaningful. At the same time, as many have pointed out, DC could instead focus on either Ellis or Val-Zod instead of Kal-El again.

As Coates' script isn't due in until December at the latest, it sounds like the reboot still has a ways to go. The story could very well change in the coming months, so these details are still tentative. It also remains to be seen if the Superman movie will actually be an origin story, or if it will just maintain that background for Kal-El. Since his origins have been depicted numerous times, it might be smarter to avoid that stretch of his life. The Superman reboot can instead use flashbacks if it wishes to show his life on Krypton. With the project so early on in development, anything can happen. This is just where things reportedly stand now.

More: How The Superman Reboot Can Avoid DCEU's Man Of Steel Mistakes

Source: THR

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