Author and comic book writer Ta-Nehisi Coates could be ready to turn in his script for a Superman reboot “soon.” According to reporter Jeff Sneider, there have been whispers that Coates is almost ready with a draft for his new take on the DC icon, with the project due to be produced by Star Trek and Star Wars director J.J. Abrams.

Announced last year, not much is yet known about what Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates have in store for the Man of Steel, other than that it will feature a Black actor in the role of Superman. Reports and rumors have also claimed that the Superman reboot will take place outside of the DCEU, much like director Matt Reeves’ The Batman, and introduce an all-new incarnation of Kal-El as the first Black Superman.

The report continues, stating that Ta-Nehisi Coates is "crafting a Kal-El in the vein of the original Superman comics and will have the protagonist hail from Krypton and come to Earth." Further speculation claims that the project could be “a 20th century period piece,” all of which suggests that Abrams and Coates will be bringing something fresh to the big-screen iteration of Superman.

While Sneider believes that the draft for the Superman reboot is coming soon, another insider, Justin Kroll, soon arrived to pour some cold water on the hype. "Soon in industry translates to 4-16 weeks as I heard I'm [sic] February [it] was coming in soon too," Kroll replied. "This isn't meant to be snarky it just feels like something reps tell execs as a stall tactic if client is taking their time on a draft. 20 still waiting for Planet of the Apes draft which I've heard would be in 'soon' going back to November."

Both Sneider and Kroll then seemingly agreed on a delivery date of Memorial Day.

There Are Currently Several Superman Projects in the Pipeline

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel with his cape billowing
Warner Bros.

The reboot from J.J. Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates is not the only Superman-centric project currently in the pipeline. While many DC fans hope to see Henry Cavill suit up once again in a Man of Steel sequel, there is officially no word of such a thing, with Warner Bros. instead focussing on different takes on the beloved superhero.

Aside from Ta-Nehisi Coates idea, the studio is also looking to bring alternate Superman Val-Zod to screens. Black Panther and Creed star Michael B. Jordan is developing the project, which will center on the Earth-2 character Val Zod. One of the last Kryptonians of his universe, Val Zod lives an insular life and is largely unaware of his powers until catastrophic events force him to come out of hiding and don the mantle of Superman. The live action Val-Zod adaptation is being developed for HBO Max, with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts writers Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters having recently signed on to pen the script.

As for Henry Cavill, the actor, in true Superman-style, has given his blessing to both projects saying, "It's exciting - Superman's far more than skin color. Superman is an ideal. Superman's an extraordinary thing that lives within our hearts. Why not have multiple Supermen going on?"