In an interview, James Gunn has now touched on the fact that in addition to his own project “Superman: Legacy”, a second film about a version of the famous Man of Steel is currently being developed. The movie “Superman” by Ta-Nehisi Coates and JJ Abrams does not focus on Clark Kent, but on a black hero. There was also a Black Superman named Calvin Ellis in the comics, although it’s not known if this is also the template for the movie.
Because James Gunn, who as the new DCU boss at Hollywood Studio Warner has the power to make decisions about all DC projects, in the latest statements Bringing up the possibility that the movie might not materialize has some fans worried about Abrams and Coates’ Black Superman project. But those concerns are unfounded for now, as Gunn provides a clear path for the project to emerge.
“Black Superman” on the trail of “Joker”
In the interview, he explains that he personally has not yet read Coates’ screenplay. But he may have heard good things about it from fellow producer and Warner executive Chantal Nong. She was “extremely excited” about the project. And so, at least, he seems to be open to the second “Superman” movie.
If the script comes and it’s “great” and “the timing is right,” then the movie “definitely can happen.” Then it just won’t be a DCU movie: “It would be an Elseworlds story like ‘Joker’. cinemas in the future.
However, Gunn’s mention of timing as an additional requirement for a great script also suggests that he would prefer to avoid two different “Superman” films being released at the same time. The “Black Superman” project may have to take a backseat. But when will Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy” come out? That’s just another concern for many DC fans.
Will the Hollywood Strike Affect ‘Superman: Legacy’?
Superman: Legacy is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2025. But a major strike by screenwriters has just begun in Hollywood (you will find all the details in a separate article). It’s still unclear which projects will be affected and how, but insider Jeff Sneider laid it out on his podcast a few days ago when Gunn, as a union member and long-time screenwriter, would not only support the strike (still looming at the time), but had already taken the consequences for his personal work.
With the start of the strike (which has now occurred), not only will he be halting further script work on “Superman: Legacy”, but he will also not be fulfilling his DCU leadership role to that extent during the strike. For the time being, he leaves the day-to-day affairs to his co-boss Peter Safran. Depending on how long the strike lasts, it could delay DCU plans and also jeopardize the Summer 2025 theatrical release of “Superman: Legacy.”
However, in our opinion, it is still too early to panic here. We also assume that Gunn supports the strike and won’t write a single line of the script during its run, but that he has already completed it on April 18, 2023, at least for now. It is true that some manual work will have to be done here at some point, but for now the rest of the preparations can continue as usual.
In any case, complete standstill is not to be expected. The casting, which is probably already in full swing, can of course continue. Interviews can be conducted with potential actors, designs can be designed and sets built, etc. The schedule can be changed a bit, but “Superman: Legacy” is still months away from a possible start of shooting, so there is enough time.
If the strike continues for a very long time, possibly even several months, things will look different. But then almost all the series and movie projects that are still in development in the next few years will be affected and there will be numerous postponements. Gunn himself has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
Incidentally, Jeff Sneider also clearly hints in the aforementioned podcast that British actor Harris Dickinson (“Triangle Of Sadness”, “The Crayfish Song”) is a candidate for the role of Superman in Gunn’s film – although he has so many limitations .
It’s just a rumor he’s heard, he doesn’t know if it’s Gunn’s favourite. However, Sneider explains that Dickinson turned down a role in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2” because he missed opportunities to “Superman: Legacy‘, which is why he believes there is some truth to the rumor. An actor like Dickinson does not give up such an opportunity if he is not already shortlisted.