Earlier this year,DCfans learned Warner Bros. had pulled the plug on director Ava DuVernay’s developingNew Godsfilm. Now, the acclaimed filmmaker has offered some insight into why the project was canceled.
First announced in 2018,DC’sNew Godsfilm was to be helmed by DuVernay from a script she co-wrote with acclaimed Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Tom King. Details on theNew Godsplot were scarce, but the film was said to feature the Female Furies and All-Widow, withDarkseid serving as the main antagonist.
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Because she has an overall deal with Warner Bros. and DC, DuVernay told SiriusXM’sAndy Cohen Livethat she was excited to explore which of both companies' properties she could tackle. “I loved,New Gods, which is the project that got axed,” she said before explaining Warner Bros.' reasoning for canceling the project. “The studio decided that they did not want to pursue a certain part of that comic world based on some things that were going on with another film in that world. So before I even was able to kind of complete my script with Tom King, they axed it.” Of course, as DuVernay reminded fans, she still hasDC’sNaomiseries for The CWcoming next year, as well as HBO Max’sDMZadaptation based on the comic of the same name published under DC’s Vertigo imprint.
At the timeNew Godswas canceled, Warner Bros. had also scrapped plans for James Wan’sAquamanspin-off that was said to be centered on The Trench. Recently, however, Wan revealed that the Trench project was actually going to bea Black Manta spin-off. Despite theAquamanspinoff being canceled, Black Manta’s story will continue when Yahya Abdul-Mateen II reprises the role inAquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
DuVernay’s mention of another film taking place in the cosmic corner of the DC Universe will likely stir speculation among fans, especially since a project involving New Gods and the related characters does not appear to be in the works at this time. WhileZack Snyder’sJustice Leaguesequelswere going to involve Darkseid, Warner Bros. and DC have indicated that they have no intention of moving forward with those plans.
As the award-winning director ofSelmaand13th, DuVernay would have undoubtedly brought a unique style and vision to the DC Extended Universe. Although that vision won’t be seen in aNew Godsfilm, there’s no reason to think that DuVernay’s talent won’t shine inNaomiandDMZ.
