Michael B. Jordan continues his exhibition through iconic superhero IPs we all know and love. He’s been a foreigner to Wakanda now he intends on bringing a foreigner all the way from Krypton, but not the one you may think.
Michael B Jordan Sets Out To Remix Superman
According to Collider, Michael B. Jordan and his production company, “Outlier Society” are developing their own Black Superman series for HBO Max which will focus on the Val-Zod iteration of the character. Sources say that Outlier Society has already hired a writer who is currently working on the script, though their identity has not been disclosed.
It was initially unclear whether the Val-Zod project would be a feature film or a limited series, sources have since reached out to clarify that as of right now, it is, in fact, being developed as a limited series that Jordan will produce and very likely even star in, however, he has yet to officially commit on the latter front.
What About The Other Black Superman?
Earlier this year, several media outlets reported on a Black Superman film being developed by JJ. Abrams and his company, “Bad Robot” with Ta-Nehisi Coates attached as the screenwriter. However, it was indicated that the film would follow the Kal-El/Clark Kent iteration of the character.
The notion of making Clark Kent black instead of introducing an original character like Calvin Ellis, Val-Zod, or an entirely new character has invited controversy, and concerns of tokenization were raised.
RELATED: Fiery First look at Netflix’s Live-Action Gundam movie has landed
Although Michael B. Jordan was working on a Black Superman movie with Warner Bros at some point, he recently denied rumors that claimed he was cast as Superman for JJ. Abrams film saying, “I’m flattered that people have me in that conversation. It’s definitely a compliment, but I’m just watching on this one.”
Some of you may be curious to know why Jordan isn’t attached to the Black Superman film when it’s common knowledge how passionate he was about developing a Black Superman movie, it seems likely that Jordan may share those same concerns about tokenization and would rather focus on Val-Zod instead of focusing on Kal-El.
According to sources close to Black Girl Nerds, Michael B. Jordan was not interested in JJ. Abrams’ film because that would focus on Kal-El’s Superman and he believed that casting a Black actor to play Kal-El would take away from a character like Val-Zod, who was created to be a Black character from the beginning.
“It’s important for people to see themselves in roles that they normally wouldn’t see. What that does to the next generation, to a kid or somebody that didn’t think that is something that they could achieve — now they’re thinking about it and daydreaming about it”.
– Michael B Jordan via THR
Jordan never gave up on the idea of showcasing a Black Superman on screen, he simply chose to go in a different, potentially better direction. Now he will be producing the new limited Superman series for Outlier and HBO Max, however, it has not been stated whether or not he’ll don the cape and star as the titular hero but the likelihood of him doing so remains.
Would you rather JJ. Abram’s film or Michael B. Jordan’s HBO Max series? I’d prefer to see what Jordan does with his Superman, and I’d love to see him don the cape. Let me know what you want to see in the comments below.
If you like what you’ve read and want more updates, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter or follow Moriviews on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Thank you for reading and Happy Moriviewing.
KEEP READING: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Will Poulter Cast as Adam Warlock In The Next Chapter Of The Marvel Space Epic
Source: Collider, Black Girl Nerds
