Many DC fans across the world woke up to a shocker when reports began to state that Warner Bros. had shelved Ava DuVernay’s New Gods movie along with James Wan’s Aquaman spinoff, The Trench. Though the news came on the 1st of April, it, unfortunately, seems to the real deal going by the reaction on Twitter by DuVernay.
The news of two DC film cancellations came along with an official statement from the studio. “As part of our DC slate, some legacy development titles including New Gods and The Trench will not be moving forward,” Warner Bros. and DC said in a statement (via: THR). “We thank our partners Ava DuVernay, Tom King, James Wan and Peter Safran for their time and collaboration during this process and look forward to our continued partnership with them on other DC stories. The projects will remain in their skillful hands if they were to move forward in the future.”
DC’s New Gods movie shelved but not for good?
DC’s New Gods movie has been in development since 2018 with DuVernay serving as the director and famed comic book writer Tom King penning the script along with her. The film would have ultimately brought a new version of the comic character to life, created by the legendary Jack Kirby. However, it looks like the script work and other elements that went into developing the film will remain in DuVernay’s hand going by the studio statement.
DuVernay responded to the news with grace and thanked King for having the opportunity to write the News Gods. And clearly, the behind-the-screens work that went into developing Kirby’s Fourth World would stay with them. You can check out the tweet below.
Darkseid actor Ray Porter and DuVernay have a Twitter exchange
Since news broke, many DC fans have been tweeting to the ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ director on why the studio decided to backtrack on developing the project. It even prompted a reply from Ray Porter, the actor that played the cameo role of Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. DuVernay once again acknowledges his tweet and hoped she might get the opportunity to work with him in hopefully New Gods or a different project.
So far, it’s still unknown what Warner Bros. has planned to cancel two blockbuster potential projects. Stay tuned for more updates.
Tom, I loved writing NEW GODS with you. I’m upset that the saga of Barda, Scott, Granny, Highfather and The Furies ends this way. Diving into Kirby’s Fourth World was the adventure of a lifetime. That can’t be taken away. Thank you for your friendship. And remember… #DarkseidIs pic.twitter.com/XyyIjcB8Wv
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 1, 2021
Thank you, Ray. You’ve been nothing but gracious towards me. Appreciate you. And fans who supported. I’m told the studio will be speaking about their recent decision about NEW GODS characters soon. I hope our paths cross one day, sir. If not in the Fourth World, then in another. https://t.co/3Ncrqk1cXf
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 1, 2021
