It’s been years since rumblings of a Black Superman film first caught fans attention. But now, it seems all hope of the civil rights-era hero is lost after the film was ultimately scrapped. And the reasons behind why will make your blood boil.
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Originally, the movie was pitched to author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, but it was soon silently tossed out. The Wall Street Journal reported on the matter in light of DC Studios’ newest movie “Superman” by director James Gunn, which hit theaters last Friday (July 11).
Coates first expressed his excitement about writing a new DC superhero set in the height of the Civil Rights Movement in 2021. “I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America’s most iconic mythic hero,” he said. His plan was to explore the complexities of the most popular hero in history.
Coming off the back of Black heroes like Marvel’s Black Panther and Luke Cage, Coates’ Black Superman would’ve been the first major live action Black hero for DC Studios — founded in 2016.
Rumors of directors Ryan Coogler and Barry Jenkins’ attachment to the production quickly amplified the film’s momentum. But the hype didn’t last long, apparently due to Warner Bros. Discovery’s newest CEO, David Zaslav, who allegedly claimed a Black Superman was “too woke.”
If you’ve been paying attention to Zaslav and all his controversies, his reported remarks can’t come as a surprise. The CEO totes right-wing views, which even got him in hot water with CNN in 2023, Deadline reported. In 2024, he insisted the reelection of President Donald Trump would be to Warner Bros’ benefit. So as Trump continues his anti-DEI and anti-woke tirade, Zaslav is simply following suit.
Ironically, the 2025 “Superman” has been receiving mixed reviews from MAGA supporters who claim the film — starring David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult and Bradley Cooper — is also “too woke.” Despite this, it’s breaking records at the box office, with a $122 million weekend debut, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
As for Coates’ Superman? The script is still owned by Warner Bros. and DC, so maybe when the time is right, fans might finally get the chance to see a Black Superman come to life. But as for right now, Superman will remain white.
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