It’s been over a year since Warner Bros. Pictures and Studio 8 announced plans to adapt Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3’s Black comic book series. But the project isn’t dead. In fact, it finally has a director in place. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gerard McMurray has signed on to helm the upcoming adaptation.
Osajyefo and Smith launched the original comic through Black Mask Studios in 2016 with artists Jamal Igle and Khary Randolph. The series introduced readers to Kareem Jenkins, a young Black man who survives a police shooting and discovers he has superhuman gifts. However, he isn’t alone. Other people of color have similar powers, and Kareem’s discovery thrusts him into a “war over the future of humanity in a world in which a secret society seeks to control the empowered and their abilities.”
McMurray made his feature directorial debut in 2017 with Burning Sands, which was released exclusively on Netflix. A year later, he helmed The First Purge and also directed an episode of CBS All Access’ Twilight Zone revival. Next up, McMurray is re-teaming with Netflix on The Formula, which will John Boeyga and Robert De Niro.
RELATED: Warner Bros. Will Adapt Superhero Comic ‘Black’
“Black is a bold and fresh spin on the superhero genre,” said McMurray in a statement. “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.”
“Gerard is a gifted storyteller who has a unique ability to bring character, authenticity and heart to every genre he approaches,” added Studio 8 CEO and founder Jeff Robinov. “When we saw his vision for Black, we knew he was the only one to bring this incredible comic series to the big screen.”
Are you excited to see what McMurray brings to the film? Let us know in the comments down below!
Recommended Reading: BLACK Volume 1
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