Despite him previously issuing criticism towards the superhero sub-genre, Steven Spielberg has now been chosen to helm a film adaptation of DC Comics’ Blackhawk by Warner Bros. Pictures, Variety reports.
The renowned director and his production company Amblin Entertainment are partnering with Warner Bros. Pictures to produce the action-adventure film, Blackhawk with the intention of having Spielberg helm the project.
The film will be based on the classic comic book property, which will represent the director’s first outing into the superhero sub-genre featuring characters from the DC Universe. Spielberg most recently directed Ready Player One for Warner Bros. which has proven to be a profitable production for the studio. Ready Player One has so far grossed $476 million worldwide following it’s release late last month.
“We are so proud to be the studio behind Steven Spielberg’s latest hit, and are thrilled to be working with him again on this new action adventure,” said Toby Emmerich, chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We can’t wait to see what new ground he will break in introducing ‘Blackhawk’ to movie audiences worldwide.”
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What is currently known about the production is that it is being written by Spielberg favorite David Koepp, who has done numerous collaborations with Spielberg such as Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and War of The Worlds. Spielberg will also be producing the film alongside Kristie Macosko Krieger under the Amblin Entertainment banner, while Sue Kroll will executive produce under her Kroll & Co. Entertainment title.
Spielberg has commented on his healthy relationship with Warner Bros. by saying “It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen.” He also added that “They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre. I am excited to reunite with them on Blackhawk.”
Warner Bros. Pictures will handle the worldwide distribution for Blackhawk.
To provide readers with a little more background information on the character it is to be noted that Blackhawk was first introduced in 1941 by Quality Comics before the property was acquired by DC Comics in 1957. In the comics, Blackhawk was the leader of the Blackhawk Squadron, an elite group of pilots that fought during the Second World War.
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Currently, Spielberg is preparing to begin work on the fifth Indiana Jones film, which will be his next project. It is likely that production on Blackhawk would have to begin after that, but possibly after West Side Story, a film which Spielberg has stated he will direct after the fifth Indiana Jones film.
It is not known when exactly Spielberg will begin shooting Blackhawk but the studio now has the time to begin development on the project before handing it over to Spielberg. It is also unknown as to if this film will take place in the DC Extended Universe, but fans can only hope that it is.
What do you think of this news? Are you excited for Blackhawk? Let us know in the comments below!
