The news that Warner Bros. and DC have roped in director Ava DuVernay to direct an upcoming adaptation of legendary artist Jack Kirby’s The New Gods has already got fans excited. This will reportedly be the second $100M-plus film for the African-American director who has already made history by directing the live-action film, A Wrinkle in Time.
DuVernay is best known for her work on Selma, which was nominated for multiple Golden Globes and Academy Awards. This will be her first official foray into the superhero world.
The DC Comics property, The New Gods, debuted way back in 1971. It was Kirby’s first creations for DC after he left Marvel in 1970 for being treated unfairly. It is an elaborate science fiction work, part of Kirby’s “Fourth World Saga,” about two alien planets.Notably, New Gods will apparently serve as the basis for a new range of cosmic DC films. The comic focuses on twin alien planets, an idyllic and peaceful planet New Genesis and a nightmarish hellscape Apokolips, both ruled by equally powerful but morally opposite leaders.
New Genesis is ruled by the benevolent Highfather, while Apokolips is ruled by the despot Darkseid. Both planets were once one and the same, but the Old Gods decided to split them after the apocalyptic event known as Ragnarok. The film will likely depict the long-running conflict between the cosmic worlds of New Genesis and Apokolips.
What’s interesting to note is that during a Twitter Q&A back in December, when a fan asked Ava DuVernay who her favorite superhero was, she responded saying that Big Barda was her favorite. Big Barda is one of The New Gods, and the wife of Mister Miracle, who was also created by Jack Kirby.
Warner Bros. is currently in search of a screenwriter to concoct the film’s story. Fans are pretty much excited about the news. You can check out their reaction in the tweets below.
Ava DuVernay directing an adaptation of #NewGods is actually quite exciting. This seems like a unique world that DuVernay can play with. Plus, it’s a way to introduce Darkseid.
— Connor Behrens (@ConnorFilm) March 15, 2018
I am way jazzed for @ava to tackle Kirby! #NewGods pic.twitter.com/YxO0NCzJlI
— Kyle Anderson (@FunctionalNerd) March 15, 2018
Didn't think a DC's #NewGods movie would ever be made. But Ava DuVernay really is bringing Jack Kirby's epic creation to life. This is so exciting! pic.twitter.com/bTeD0oDmyU
— ❄️🎄Amogh Huddar🎄❄️ (@imakryptonian) March 15, 2018
@ava congrats!!!!! Can’t wait – can even breathe I’m so excited 🎉🎊Now I know my fave is in the best hands!!!! #newgods #bigbarda #soexcited #AvaDuVernay pic.twitter.com/KijgCGDVFq
— Hamilamtv (@hamilamtv) March 15, 2018
Excited for @ava’s the #newgods movie? Better get caught up on MISTER MIRACLE! 🤙⚡️🔓
Reprints and current issues now at your local comic shop. pic.twitter.com/dsiPhPetFo
— Mitch Gerads (@MitchGerads) March 15, 2018
.@ava has been praised for her #WrinkleInTime world-building so OF COURSE she's a great fit for DC's #NewGods! It'll be an onslaught of pure Jack Kirby – Orion, Mr Miracle, Big Barda and Kalibak, Granny Goodness/Furies. Then team the New Gods up with JL to take down Darkseid! pic.twitter.com/GSclAye2dE
— Joshua Yehl (@JoshuaYehl) March 15, 2018
Well, I can't say I saw this one coming.
The amazing @Ava DuVernay is directing a #NewGods movie for Warner Bros./DC Comics: https://t.co/XEFflB4aIm
PLEASE make this a wild-ass Jack Kirby fever dream. That's all I ask. pic.twitter.com/v8V2V4YHV8
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) March 15, 2018
Source: Deadline
