Author Ta-Nehisi Coates to pen new Superman movie; J.J. Abrams to produce

Look! Up in the sky! A new Superman movie is in early development with J.J. Abrams producing, and a screenplay to be written by bestselling author, Ta-Nehisi Coates.

In an exclusive report from Shadow and Act, studio sources say that Coates will write the upcoming Superman feature film from DC Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, which is in the very early stage of development, with no confirmed start or release date. J.J. Abrams' production company, Bad Robot, will produce.

The news is so early that a director hasn't even been attached to the project yet, and the search for an actor to play Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman hasn't even begun. The jury's still out on whether current Superman actor Henry Cavill would return for this particular project, or a new actor would be the one to step into those powerful red boots.

In statements sent to Shadow and Act, Coates and Abrams expressed enthusiasm for the fledgling project.

"To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor. I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America's most iconic mythic hero," said Coates.

“There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen, and we’re beyond thankful to the team at Warner Bros. for the opportunity,” said Abrams.

Coates is the bestselling author of Between The World And Me, which won a 2015 National Book Award. He also wrote for Marvel Comics on the Black Panther and Captain America titles.

Superman fans may remember that Abrams was once attached to a reboot of the Kryptonian's adventures in 2002 titled Superman: Flyby, featuring a completely different origin story for the character. Unfortunately, that project was scrapped and we got Superman Returns (2006)—starring Brandon Routh in the title role—instead, which was a direct sequel to the Christopher Reeve-helmed Superman II (1980).