The DC Extended Universe has several confirmed projects scheduled for release, although Warner Bros. always has more than a few entries in the early stages of development for the future. Most recently, plans were reported for a new Superman entry featuring a Black leading hero, which is still likely some time away from coming to fruition.
While it's somewhat disappointing that Henry Cavill's time as the Man of Steel seems to be over, Warner Bros. is looking to diversify its leading heroes with this new take on Kal-El. Although there have been a couple of Supermen in the comics that were Black throughout the years, this will be the first time bringing this specific character to the big screen.
Recently, one of the DCEU's biggest names in directing shared his thoughts on this change.
ZACK SNYDER APPROVES OF THE PROGRESS
Director Zack Snyder spoke with Radio Times about Warner Bros.' rumored decision to cast a Black actor to play Superman in the upcoming undisclosed project directed by J.J. Abrams.
Confirming his appreciation for Abrams' work, Snyder revealed that he's "interested to see what happens." Although Henry Cavill remains Snyder's Superman from their experience together, he calls this change a "long overdue move" going forward:
“My feeling is that I love JJ [Abrams], I love what he’s done in the past. I’m interested to see what happens, it’s a bold and cool and probably long overdue move. But I love Henry [Cavill] as Superman, of course I do. He’s my superman.
Snyder also restated that he's "not really involved in any of the decision-making," and that he's simply waiting to see how this project turns out:
“I’m not really involved in any of the decision-making at Warner Brothers in any way, so I guess for me it’s just wait and see what they do with this and how it manifests itself. But on the surface, it seems interesting.”
SNYDER SUPPORTIVE OF THE NEW DIRECTION
While it's unlikely that Zack Snyder will be heavily involved in the franchise's future, it's great to see the director publicly supporting this move by Warner Bros.
The interesting development for DC's future slate will be if this new version of Kal-El will come alongside Henry Cavill's or replace him altogether. Fans have clamored for a follow-up to Man of Steel for years, but even after Cavill's public support of the Snyder Cut, he seems to be left out of the DCEU's plans for the foreseeable future, as does Snyder.
It will likely still be a couple of years at least until Abrams' new Superman movie goes into serious development, although Snyder's public support may have no effect on Warner Bros. pushing things further along.
With the DCEU's future unclear after 2022, the hope is that the new Black Superman will find a home in due time alongside the franchise's top heroes.
