Earlier today we talked about the next project for filmmaker Ava DuVernay, a 5-part Netflix series about the Central Park Five, but it looks like there’s a project way bigger in DuVernay’s future. Namely an adaptation of comic book legend Jack Kirby’s “New Gods.”
According to Deadline, Ava DuVernay has signed up with Warner Bros./DC to direct a film adaptation of Kirby classic series, “New Gods.” While many casual superhero fans might wonder who the New Gods are, just understand that this has the potential to be a huge franchise for DuVernay and WB. Created in 1971 by Kirby, the New Gods are a race of cosmic beings that are split among two warring worlds, New Genesis and Apokolips.
The New Gods were created after Kirby left Marvel Comics, and they’re often cited as the purest of Kirby’s creations, with Kirby having full control over the characters. Full of crazy visuals, and completely insane stories, “New Gods” is often looked at as some of the best cosmic storytelling in comic book history.
Funny enough, it wasn’t too long ago that Ava DuVernay was asked, on Twitter, who her favorite superhero hero was. The filmmaker didn’t name any of the obvious answers, instead replying, “Gosh, that’s hard. Big Barda. Many reasons.” Big Barda is a character that was featured prominently in “New Gods.” But yet, no one, except obviously DuVernay, had any idea what the future held for the director.
Ava DuVernay is coming off the release of her first big-budget film, Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” While that film didn’t have the best opening weekend, it was a landmark achievement by being the first $100 million budgeted film directed by a black woman. Now, that budget record is sure to go up with this film.
For those wondering where this fits in the DCEU, don’t worry. The New Gods have always been a part of the DC Universe, but their stories are often told as stand-alone, far away from characters like Superman or Batman. However, if this film takes off and becomes a phenomenon, on par with “Wonder Woman,” you can be sure that WB will look to integrate them more in the future.
And if you’re wondering how a film like this could look, visually at least, then “Thor: Ragnarok” might be your best inspiration. That film utilized a lot of Kirby’s signature style, mixed heavily with director Taika Waititi’s sensibilities. However, that’s, to-date, the closest thing we’ve seen to a true Jack Kirby-esque film.
No word on a proposed release date, but with DuVernay working on her Netflix series first, it looks like “New Gods” will have to sit on the backburner for just a little bit.
https://twitter.com/ava/status/946107644212789248?lang=en
