Actor Michael B Jordan is set to produce live-action Static Shock for Warner Bros’ DC canon
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter Michael B Jordan is set to produce Warner Bros’ Static Shock live-action movie which was announced during the DC FanDome event earlier this year. The movie, with a prospect of a future franchise, will be helmed by comic book and screenwriter, Reginald Hudlin. Jordan told THR,
“I’m proud to be a part of building a new universe centred around black superheroes; our community deserves that”
An Inclusive DC Multiverse
In the past, DC has tried to kick start DC Extended Universe with Henry Cavill but the plans fell flat on its face. In 2020, DC has a much better creative understanding of their projects. It all came together with DC FanDome event that showcased all the projects WB has in store. From a trip to Multiverse to different Bat-verses to opportunities for epic crossovers – fans not only witnessed the new corners of DC Universe but also got a glimpse of its diverse culture.
To take a step forward, Warner Bros is set to introduce Static Shock. Static was first introduced as a black comic book superhero by Milestone Comics. The comic centred on a teenage hero, Virgil Hawkins, who gains electromagnetic powers after being exposed to strange gas. The character was created by Black artists and writers who hoped to make comics a more inclusive space and was distributed via DC.
A decade later the hero was revived for Static Shock animated series which was a rarity considering it was headlined by a Black character. Static made its way to DC canon in 2008. Nonetheless, before hitting the big screen Huldin will write a new digital comic around the character beginning Feb 2021.
Michael B Jordan’s Static Shock
In the brief history of superhero movie making Michael B Jordan is joining the ranks of his Marvel co-stars like Robert Downey Jr and late actor Chadwick Boseman. Downey Jr successfully shouldered 3 MCU phases spanning a decade. What started as a bid to save Marvel from bankruptcy with Iron-Man turned into Infinity Saga that is now branching into multiple Disney+ series and movies.
Similarly, Chadwick Boseman (Rest in power King) brought Black Panther to life – Marvel’s first live-action Black superhero. Jordan famously played his nemesis, Erick Killmonger – one of the most notable villains, standing tall among the likes of Mad Titan Thanos and Loki, the God of Mischief.
Watch: History Of Static Shock! | Variant Comics
By stepping into the producer’s role for the project Michael B Jordan is also taking upon the huge responsibility of representation within the DC Universe and in millions of hearts across the globe. And in a sense, he is also taking up Boseman’s Black Panther legacy by creating another live-action Black superhero to look up to. In his tributary note to Boseman, Jordan wrote on Instagram, “I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother. “
About the project, a comic aficionado Jordan told THR, “Outlier Society (Jordan’s production company) is committed to bringing to life diverse comic book content across all platforms and we are excited to partner with Reggie and Warner Bros on this initial step.”
Jordan is next shooting and producing A Journal for Jordan, a drama to be directed by Denzel Washington.
