DCEU: Why it’s the perfect time for a Black Superman
Image Source: Marvel Comics. justjared.com
Studios don’t always care about race
It’s apparent Warner Bros. is looking to move in an entirely different direction. One that employs diversity beyond supporting characters. A Black Superman can change the complexity of the way comic book movies. Some may argue the classic “what if Black Panther was played by a white man?” But, unlike Superman, Black Panther’s skin color directly correlates to the essence of his character.
The impact of his race was felt in the first introduction of Black Panther after the Fantastic Four discovered Wakanda. That doesn’t apply to Superman who is an alien raised on a farm working a job as a reporter. There’s not a story arc that eludes to why it’s important that Superman is white. WB understands that we should too.
Besides, people of color played white heroes before. Nick Fury was a white man in the comics before Samuel L. Jackson took over in the MCU. No one really complained about that. Warner Bros isn’t shy about the idea of race bending, or reverse whitewashing as we mentioned with Deadshot. Additionally, on the CW TV series, Flash, Iris West is played by a black woman, Candice Patton. And the trend of a black Iris will continue in The Flash movie with Kiersey Clemons.
Additionally, Jason Mamoa, a man of color took a hero, Aquaman, that many comic book fans deemed a laughing-stock and made him relevant. Like many comic book characters, Aquaman aka Arthur Curry is drawn as a white man with blonde hair — Mamoa is neither. Yet, fans generally accepted him as Aquaman there wasn’t a wave of social media hate that currently hovers over Michael B. Jordan casting news.
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Maybe it is time for a change, after all, we’ve seen a white Superman since the 50s. As we grow into a more accepting society, a Black Superman can minutely do its part to continue that growth. DC Comics hasn’t taken the initiative to write Kal-El/Clark Kent as a black character but Warner Bros. and the DCEU can. All in all, this could all be for nothing and Henry Cavill could return as Superman. Still, I can’t help but hope that Michael B. Jordan accepts the role and the creative team makes people forget about skin color. We just want a great Superman movie no matter who plays the role.