Michael B. Jordan recently discussed the rumors that he will star in J.J. Abrams' upcoming Superman reboot. The Black Panther and Creed star said that he is flattered that fans want him to play the iconic DC role.
Under a reported $500 million deal with WarnerMedia, Abrams’ production company will develop several DC-related series and films for Warner Bros. Currently, Abrams is working on a Justice League Dark and Constantine series for HBO Max, as well as a Superman film reboot. Earlier this year, acclaimed author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates was tapped to write the script for the Superman film. Coates is best known for writing The Beautiful Struggle, Between the World and Me, We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy, and a Black Panther and Captain America series for Marvel Comics.
Henry Cavill has notably played Clark Kent/Superman in the DCEU over the past decade. Cavill debuted as Kal-El in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and has portrayed the character in four films to date. While Cavill’s future in the DCEU is unclear at the moment, he previously asserted that he hopes to play Superman in years to come. It is unlikely he will appear in the upcoming reboot because Coates and Abrams are reportedly searching for a Black actor to play Superman. In the mid-2000s Cavill ironically screen-tested for Abrams' unmade Superman: Flyby.
Michael B. Jordan has been linked to play the superhero ever since he pitched his take on Superman to Warner Bros in 2019. The Creed 3 director recently addressed the casting rumors on a recent episode of Jake’s Takes. Jordan said he appreciates that people think that he can succeed as Superman. “You hear the whispers and the rumors and stuff like that and it’s just a compliment,” said the movie star, while adding, “I don’t really have anything more to give on that other than it’s just flattering and I appreciate it.”
Jordan is no stranger to starring in big-budget comic book adaptions. The 34-year-old previously played Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 2015's Fantastic Four film and Erik Stevens/Killmonger in Black Panther. While Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther was a box office and critical hit, Fantastic Four was crushed by critics and grossed just $167 million worldwide on a $120 million budget. Due to the film’s poor box office performance, 20th Century Fox decided not to move ahead with the previously planned sequel.
Of course, some may view Jordan's answer as neither a confirmation nor a denial. Regardless, whatever the cinematic future holds for Superman is likely to evoke strong emotions from fans, especially since some would welcome a fresh take on the character while others are hoping to see Cavill reprise the role.
The Superman reboot is in development at Warner Bros.
Source: Jake’s Take|YouTube