'Superman' Reboot Coming From Star Wars' J.J. Abrams, Award-Winning Author, Ta-Nehisi Coates

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Ta-Nehisi Coates and J.J. Abrams teaming up on a Superman reboot? Yep, the Man of Steel is back for a brand new film, spearheaded by the two long-time superhero superstars, Deadline reported on Friday. Seeming in the early stages of development, the film, which will be written by Coates and Produced by Abrams's Bad Robot production company, has no confirmed plot and no confirmed actors signed on. With no attachments as of yet, its unclear who, exactly will take the titular role, however, the site reports that Henry Cavill, who played Superman throughout the 20-teens is "eager to get back into the cape," the outlet reported. 

Yet according to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael B. Jordan, renowned for his work in Black Panther and Creed, is a potential pick for the role. "According to sources, the project is being set up as a Black Superman story," the outlet reported. "This is something that the studio has been trying to wrap its head around for months, if not a year or two. Michael B. Jordan tried to develop a Black Superman project when he first arrived at the studio with his deal in 2019, but that did not go very far at the time, according to sources. It is possible that the studio could return to him to star down the line." Mr. Abrams, Mr. Coates, if you're reading this, please, please cast Michael B. Jordan as Clark Kent. This is the Superman reboot we neeed. 

Dream cast aside, Coates is best known for his work as a journalist and bestselling author, having penned 2015's National Book Award-winning Between the World and Me and the 2008 memoir, The Beautiful Struggle. His literary expertise, however, expands beyond groundbreaking works of nonfiction, delving into the universe of Marvel Comics. In 2016, Coates was the head writer for a new Black Panther series which will conclude this April after a revolutionary five-year run. Coates' work withMarvel spans beyond Wakanda, with the author also penning a Captain America comic back in 2018. 

"To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor,"  Coates told Shadow and Act. "I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America's most iconic mythic hero."

Abrams, on the other hand, is famed for his work on the recent Star Wars trilogy, directing, producing, and co-writing The Force Awakens and directing and co-writing 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, along with other credits. Abrams is also known for his 2006 directorial debut with Mission Impossible III as well as 2009's Star Trek and its 2013 sequel. 

"There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told," Abrams wrote in a statement to the publication. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen, and we're beyond thankful to the team at Warner Bros. for the opportunity," he continued.

Considering their long resumes and evident passion for beloved franchises, with Michael B. Jordan potentially signing on, this is looking like it may be the superhero movie of the year -- and it doesn't even have a plot yet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find a TV series consisting of brand new IP I've ever heard of and binge it all in one night -- as hype as I am for a new Rugrats series and a shiny Superman flick, It's been a long week of reboot announcements.

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