David Zaslav Shuts Down “Woke” Black Superman Movie, Fans React

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David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, made a decision to alter the direction of the upcoming Superman film, previously being developed by J.J. Abrams and writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, which had been perceived as more progressive or “woke” in nature.

In a recent analysis from the Wall Street Journal, the article discusses the budget and box office objectives for the upcoming Superman film, as well as potential sequels, and it highlights how DC Entertainment has been without a unified creative chief in comparison to Marvel Studios, which is helmed by Kevin Feige. Consequently, when James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed control of DC Entertainment, several projects were scrapped, among them the third installment of Wonder Woman.

Zaslav Kills Woke Black Superman Script from Ta-Nehisi Coates

Mentioned among other details is the fact that a Black Superman film, which was being developed by Abrams with author Ta-Nehisi Coates, was halted. According to The Wall Street Journal, Zaslav stopped this film project as he perceived it as being too politically progressive or woke.

In approximately 2022, Zaslav was brainstorming solutions for DC’s challenges. He reportedly deemed a script penned by Ta-Nehisi Coates featuring a Black Superman during the civil rights era as overly progressive, based on information from those in the know. However, Gunn and Safran might have the opportunity to create this movie at a later date, some sources said.

It’s noteworthy that James Gunn’s version of Superman isn’t overly preoccupied with current social issues, despite touching on political themes. Zaslav emphasized ensuring an accurate portrayal of Superman for the launch of the new DC Universe, and it appears he aimed to avoid the character being burdened by the kind of “wokeness” that has impacted the Marvel Cinematic Universe under Kevin Feige in a negative way.

What was the Black Superman movie?

Prior to the Warner Bros. and Discovery merger, a film project known as “The Black Superman” was being developed at Warner Bros., overseen by J.J. Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates. This movie was planned to present a Black interpretation of Superman, distinct from the original Clark Kent character.

Details include:

  • J.J. Abrams was attached as producer through his Bad Robot banner, part of his overall deal with Warner Bros.
  • Ta-Nehisi Coates, a writer known for political and race-related works, was hired to write the script. Reports said Coates’ take was set during the civil rights era and would heavily feature racial themes.
  • The movie was rumored to introduce a Black version of Kal-El, still named Clark Kent, rather than using established Black Superman characters like Val-Zod or Calvin Ellis from the comics.
  • Actors rumored or suggested for the role included Michael B. Jordan, though Jordan was reportedly developing his own separate Black Superman project (focused on Val-Zod) for HBO Max. That project was unrelated to Coates’ script.
  • Jordan rejected the idea of a race-swapped Clark Kent Superman.
  • Cyborg actor Ray Fisher rejected the Black Superman.
  • The idea was controversial with fans, who criticized it as race-swapping the iconic Christopher Reeve Superman rather than developing existing Black heroes. Many felt it was a lazy attempt at diversity instead of creating original stories or spotlighting established Black DC characters.

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2025-07-11 08:01