The collaboration between Ta-Nehisi Coates and J.J. Abrams on a Superman movie appears to be still in progress, according to filmmaker James Gunn.
In response to a fan inquiry about the status of the film, Gunn affirmed that it is indeed still in development. The project was initially unveiled in 2021, with Abrams taking on the role of producer.
Notably, this announcement predates Gunn and Peter Safran’s assumption of leadership roles at DC Studios, formerly known as DC Films. While specific plot details remain undisclosed, it has been widely reported that the movie will introduce the first Black Superman.
Gunn has previously emphasized that there is ample space for both Superman: Legacy and Coates’ films. He clarified in an interview with io9 that the two projects are entirely unrelated, expressing excitement about Coates’ movie.
Gunn mentioned Chantal Nong, the executive overseeing the project, as being particularly enthusiastic. However, he noted that the potential for Coates’ Superman film to move forward depends on the script’s quality and the timing alignment.
He likened it to an Elseworlds tale, similar to the approach taken with the film Joker, suggesting that it would exist in its own narrative universe, distinct from the established DC Universe.
This standalone approach is reminiscent of Matt Reeves’ Batman, which operates independently of the broader DCU. Ta-Nehisi Coates, known globally as an esteemed author and scholar, has previously contributed to Marvel comics by writing series for Black Panther and Captain America.
His involvement in these projects earned him special thanks in the end credits of their respective film adaptations. Additionally, Coates is set to adapt Rachel Aviv’s 2014 The New Yorker article “Wrong Answer” into a feature film, with Michael B. Jordan set to star and Ryan Coogler to direct.
While Gunn and Safran are spearheading the DCU slate with their first Superman film, Superman: Legacy, featuring David Corenswet in the lead role, the Coates and Abrams collaboration remains an intriguing project.
As of now, no specific release date or further details have been disclosed for Coates and Abrams’ Superman movie. For a comprehensive overview of upcoming DC movies and shows, including Superman: Legacy, slated for release on July 12, 2025, audiences can refer to our list.
