New Superman movie reportedly set in its own universe and taking inspiration from original Superman comics

Calvin Ellis
(Image credit: DC Comics)

New details have emerged online regarding Warner Bros. new Superman movie, which will have a Black lead.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, at the moment, the new movie will be set in its own universe, separate from recent blockbusters like Wonder Woman 1984 and Aquaman, similar to Matt Reeves' The Batman. Upcoming movie The Flash is expected to bring the multiverse to screens and will feature Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman from Tim Burton's movies.

There's no word on casting yet, with Michael B. Jordan recently pouring water over speculation that he'll be the next Man of Steel, and there's also no concrete answer on whether this spells the end of Henry Cavill's turn in the red cape – though it's looking increasingly unlikely as THR notes that Warner is only continuing the stories of three Snyder-cast heroes: Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), and Ezra Miller (The Flash).

THR's sources say that Coates is working on a script featuring Kal-El, who will come from Krypton and end up on Earth, akin to "the original Superman comics". The report also indicates that, at the moment, it's possible the film will end up a period piece set in the 20th Century – though THR stress it's very early in the creative process, which means things can change. 

In DC Comics, a Black Superman does exist in the multiverse. This version is named Kalel, but goes by Calvin Ellis on Earth. He eventually becomes president of the United States as well as being his Earth's Superman. At the moment, it's unknown if the movie will take any inspiration from this character.

Molly Edwards
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I'm the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering all things film and TV for the site's Total Film and SFX sections. I previously worked on the Disney magazines team at Immediate Media, and also wrote on the CBeebies, MEGA!, and Star Wars Galaxy titles after graduating with a BA in English.