There has been so much news surrounding the DCU lately that it’s becoming a little difficult to keep up. Unfortunately, we have some more to add to the pile, as it is now being reported (via THR) that the Superman project being developed by Star Trek director J.J. Abrams and writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, which will introduce a Black actor as Superman, will not be impacted by James Gunn’s Henry Cavill-less reboot.

Announced last year, very few details have been revealed regarding what Abrams and Coates have planned for the Man of Steel. What we do know is that the project will be written by author and comic book writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and will introduce a Black actor as the comic book icon. It has been speculated that the Superman project will introduce a new, different version of Kal-El, “crafting a Kal-El in the vein of the original Superman comics and will have the protagonist hail from Krypton and come to Earth,” with further claims revealing that the project will be “a 20th century period piece.”

“Warners has also been developing a Black superman film written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams, and Gunn’s new movie is said to not have an impact on that project, with Coates still working on the script.”

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Further reports and rumors have claimed that the movie will take place outside of the DCU, much like director Matt Reeves’ The Batman, meaning that, whatever Gunn and Peter Safran have planned for Clark Kent, will not be effected by whatever Abrams has in store.

Henry Cavill is No Longer Superman After All

     Warner Bros.

Despite appearing in a much-hyped cameo at the end of Black Adam, Man of Steel star Henry Cavill has officially hung up the cape for good. The actor took to social media to provide a statement revealing that, after a conversation with DC Studios chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran, his time as Superman has come to an unfortunate, unceremonious end. “I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” Cavill said. “After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”

Cavill continued, thanking fans for their support over the years. “For those who have been by my side through the years….. we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember…. Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards,” he concluded.

So, with Abrams and Coates’ Superman project expected to stand separate from the wider DCU, Gunn himself will write a Man of Steel reboot. With a younger actor stepping into the iconic role. “In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill. But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future,” Gunn said regarding the project.