Does the World Need a Black Superman?

With news circulating the next Superman film will have a Black lead, the effect of race-swapping such a popular character could prove to be more polarizing than progressive

Let me start by saying Superman is my favorite superhero. The earliest memories I have of watching movies are seeing Christopher Reeve in 1978's "Superman" and I've loved the character ever since. I mean, what's not to love? He's a paragon of hope. A beacon of light. An altruistic symbol of good and the purveyor of truth, justice and...ok, we can skip that last part. Sure, plenty of people think being the ultimate good guy is boring, but when you live in a world as flawed as ours, an alien from a distant planet representing the ideal of perfection should be welcome escapism. He's the quintessential superhero and yet, his big screen exploits for the last three decades have left a lot to be desired. Even the past ten years, which has seen a brawny Brit by the name of Henry Cavill occupying the role, has been a rollercoaster. As such, the question of Cavill's status as Superman has remained ambiguous for roughly two years. While he and Warner's had both been tight-lipped concerning the future, a return seemed like a given since there was still plenty of potential behind his portrayal of the iconic Kryptonian.

Then, reports surfaced the character was undergoing another reboot with J.J. Abrams producing and award-winning author Ta-Nahesi Coates (who had runs writing Black Panther and Captain America comics) penning the script. Further cementing this as a different take on Superman, Warner Bros. is also seeking a Black director to helm the project and a Black actor to star in it. It's difficult to view these decisions without cynicism after the "Justice League" controversies. Is this an organic move to push the DC universe forward or a case of cinematic virtue signaling? Fans have already voiced their disapproval, instead calling for the likes of John Stewart's Green Lantern or Static Shock to get the silver screen treatment. To make the waters even murkier, while DC actually has two Black incarnations of the character (Calvin Ellis and Val-Zod), it appears they'll remain benched in favor of turning the historically white Clark Kent into a Black man. Color me conflicted. On the one hand, giving the Man of Steel a facelift while simultaneously opening up opportunities for a Black writer, director and star is intriguing. However, the announcement is appropriately receiving backlash for its tone deafness and poor timing. I highly doubt that was the response they were looking for.

So, does the world need a Black Superman? Yes, but, not like this, perhaps. I'd argue every race and ethnicity deserves their own mighty hero(es) to spark imaginations and fill children with wonder. The problem is a number of these heroes already exist, but fail to get the spotlight in favor of repackaging an existing property. Don't get me wrong, as some race and gender changes have resulted in great comic book characters (who are popular in their right) and I'm fully aware there are a number of beloved standalone Black heroes who are neither sidekicks or race-bent mantle swaps of popular characters. However, it appears studio execs may not view these standalone characters as having the same box office appeal as their established Caucasian counterparts. "A movie starring Icon won't sell as many tickets because no one knows who Icon is, but Superman? Everybody knows Superman". Sadly, that line of thinking is correct because while Milestone's African-American Superman equivalent may be a deep-cut treat for die hard fans, the general public doesn't know who he is. Whose fault is that? The culture shock of altering Superman's identity isn't nearly as interesting as giving an original creation the attention it deserves. Perhaps the newest "Superman" movie will be the best entry yet or perhaps this opportunity would be best served highlighting a property that's often been relegated to bowels of the comic pantheon. Dream on, right?