Another Superman project is in the works for HBO Max
Creed actor and producer Michael B. Jordan and his company Outlier Society are working on a Val-Zod-centric Black Superman project for HBO Max.
Not too long ago, it was announced that a Superman reboot is in the works featuring a Black actor in the leading role.
An Elseworlds tale that is believed to take place outside of DCEU continuity, the project is set to be penned by seasoned reporter and writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions. Now, however, we may have two Black Superman projects on the horizon.
As revealed by Collider, actor and producer Michael B. Jordan is set to develop a separate Superman project through his production company, Outlier Society, for HBO Max. This will feature the Val-Zod incarnation of the character instead of the Clark Kent version.
The Just Mercy actor, no stranger to the superhero genre having portrayed two distinct characters in Marvel films (Human Torch and Killmonger respectively), is already producing a Static Shock movie under the Outlier Society banner with Milestone Media and DC Films for Warner Bros.
Who is Val-Zod?
Following his parents’ execution by his home world’s tribunal, Val-Zod was made an orphan and became the last remaining member of his house on Earth-2. Val quickly befriended fellow orphan Kara Zor-El (Power Girl of this universe) and was among the survivors whom escaped Krypton’s destruction thanks to Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van.
More from DCEU
- New Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trailer pushes Arthur to his limits
- 7 actors who could replace Ezra Miller as The Flash in the DC Universe
- James Gunn gives interesting update of Superman and Supergirl movies at DC Studios
- All 7 Wonder Woman actresses ranked from worst to best
- All 8 Black Canary actresses ranked from worst to best
Taught of how violence was unnecessary by the knowledge from his parents’ contained in his capsule, Val became a pacifist by the time he landed on Earth and was found by government research scientist, Terry Sloan. In exchange for asylum, and protection from the outside world, he was made a recluse.
Val eventually became a successor to the House of El after being found by the super-team the Wonders and having to go up against a brainwashed Superman who led a horde of Parademons. Discovering he is Kryptonian, one of the members of the Wonders, Red Tornado (with Lois Lane’s mind) coached Val into gaining control of his developing meta-human abilities. He then took over the original Supes’ mantle and became the world’s defender.
Created by writer Tom Taylor and artists Nicola Scott and Robson Rocha, his first appearance was in Earth-2 No.19 in 2014. Val-Zod then took over the role of Superman in Earth-2 No. 25 and rolled over in the miniseries Earth-2: World’s End.
Is Val-Zod starring in a Superman movie or TV series?
According to sources close to Collider, Michael B. Jordan’s production company hired a screenwriter who is currently working on the series pilot for a potential limited series in which he will produce and potentially star in. Not much is known about the series, except for the fact that it will be produced for HBO Max.
We are uncertain whether this one will be a standalone limited series, be part of the mainstream DCEU continuity or if it will be set in a parallel continuity – much like how the upcoming Robert Pattinson-led The Batman is reportedly set in the DCEU’s Earth-2.
Next. All 9 DCEU films ranked from worst to best. dark
Would you like to see Val-Zod headline a series with Michael B. Jordan in the role? Let us know in the comments below!