Warner Bros. and Studio 8 have gotten behind Director Gerard McMurray, (The First Purge), as he is set to helm as Writer and Director of the live-action version of Black. Adapted from the comic book of the same name, Black takes place in a universe in which only Black people possess superpowers.
“Black is a bold and fresh spin on the superhero genre. I fell in love with the colorful world Kwanza and Tim created in the comics, and I’m excited to bring life to a story that entertains and challenges the audience at the same time. Black does just that,”
said McMurray in a statement.
Created by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3, with artists Jamal Igle and Khary Randolph, The comic debuted in 2016 from indie publisher Black Mask Studios, with the original series following Kareem Jenkins, who discovered his powers after being shot by police. The series was followed by the graphic novel Black [AF]: America’s Sweetheart, which centered on Eli Franklin, a young girl who becomes a superhero to bridge racial divides in America.
The film adaptation will center on a young man who discovers his powers after surviving a violent crime. He soon finds himself in the middle of a war over the future of humanity in a world in which a secret society seeks to control the empowered and their abilities.
“Gerard is a gifted storyteller who has a unique ability to bring character, authenticity and heart to every genre he approaches, when we saw his vision for Black, we knew he was the only one to bring this incredible comic series to the big screen.”
Said Studio 8 CEO and founder Jeff Robinov.