Way back in 2019, there was a report that went around about Michael B. Jordan speaking with Warner Bros. about starring in a “Superman” film. At the time, people were still thinking Henry Cavill would return as the Man of Steel in a future film, but the possibility of Jordan’s involvement did pique the interest of the fandom. He didn’t deny his involvement a few months later, but it was clear the idea of a reboot of Superman was far from reality. That all changed recently when it was announced that JJ Abrams and writer Ta-Nehisi Coates are working together on a new “Superman” film for Warner Bros., with speculation that the film will feature a Black man as Superman. Sounds like Michael B. Jordan is ready to suit up, right? Well, not so much.
Speaking to THR, while promoting his new Amazon film, “Without Remorse,” Michael B. Jordan opened up about the news that WB is rebooting the hero in a new “Superman” film and if he’d potentially be involved. Clearly, he’s happy that Ta-Nehisi Coates is on board to write the script, but it doesn’t appear that Jordan is going to put on the cape for this film.
“It’s smart of DC to grab Ta-Nehisi to go ahead and adapt that project,” he said. “He’s incredibly talented. It’s going to be worth checking out. I’m flattered that people have me in that conversation. It’s definitely a compliment, but I’m just watching on this one.”
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Obviously, Jordan has the charisma, acting ability, and physicality to pull off Superman, but it appears that’s not going to happen. (Now, actors have been trained to deny just about anything when it comes to superhero films, so take it with a grain of salt.) And that’s a shame. But there are plenty of other Black actors working today that could also step into the role of Superman with no problems. So, even if it’s not Jordan, WB will have no shortage of options for the lead.
Even though “Superman” doesn’t seem to be in his future, Jordan is prepping to make his directorial debut in the upcoming sequel, “Creed III.” And unlike “Superman,” this is a project that the actor-turned-filmmaker is clearly hyped to take part in.
“That’s something that has a lot of my attention and time going into,” the actor says. “I’m just really excited about stepping behind the camera and being able to tell a story from my perspective.”
“Creed III” is set to be released in November 2022. WB’s new “Superman” doesn’t have a release date.
