What do we know about J.J. Abrams' standalone Superman film? Speculations explored

In February 2021, DC fans were surprised to know J.J. Abrams would produce a standalone Superman film with Ta-Nehisi Coates as writer. However, after change in studio leadership, the status of Coates and Abrams' Superman movie remained unconfirmed till almost four years later.

Hope was rekindled for fans when, in January 2024 James Gunn, confirmed that the standalone Superman film written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams is still in development stage, despite the fact that the project has not seen any movement since early 2023.

J.J. Abrams' Superman standalone film explained

President Calvin Ellis from Earth-23 (Image via DC.com)

As stated, very little is known about the standalone Superman film, so we don't know the actors or even the characters involved in the project. However, Abrams did put out a statement in February 2021, saying:

“There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen, and we’re beyond thankful to the team at Warner Bros. for the opportunity.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates said:

“To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor. I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America’s most iconic mythic hero.”

If J.J. Abrams' standalone Superman film were to still happen, it needs to be readjusted to a different continuity than what Coates mentioned in his statement. However, it may also be possible that he made a mistake while naming the continuity. Meanwhile, fans have been speculating about which version of Superman will feature in the film.

Some feel that the film will feature a Clark Kent/Kal-El whose race would be different. Others have speculated that the protagonist will be none other than Calvin Ellis/Kalel, the Superman from Earth-23. This version of the Man of Steel is the US President who protects the world and maintains world peace.

Is J.J. Abrams' Superman standalone film happening?

While DC has not officially pulled the plug on the standalone Superman film involving Ta-Nehisi Coates and J.J. Abrams, the fact that there have been few updates on the project so far has triggered the speculation among many fans that chances of the film being made could be slim. Although, most feel the film could be potential winner if it pursues a novel idea as focsuing on Earth-23.

As of now, DC is focused on making its mainstream cinematic universe cohesive and popular. Once that is achieved, Coates and Abrams' standalone Superman film could take off, though it seems like that could take time.

For now, J.J. Abrams is working on an untitled film that reportedly stars Glen Powell. He also serves as executive producer for the second season of Batman: Caped Crusader.

This isn't J.J. Abrams' first shot at a Superman standalone film

Did you know that this is not the first time that J.J. Abrams' name is linked to an adaptation of Superman? His first attempt was in the 2000s as a writer for a Superman movie. The script was titled Superman: Flyby or Superman: Man of Steel, and was to be directed by Brett Ratner, and later by McG.

Interestingly both Henry Cavill and Brandon Routh auditioned to play Superman in the film. Cavill had to wait for a decade to star as the Man of Steel, while Routh went on to play the character in Superman Returns. However, one of the biggest probable casting choices for Flyby was Robert Downey Jr. as Lex Luthor. If that had happened, we'd probably have a different star as the first Iron Man.

Superman: Flyby was never made and the studio went ahead with Superman Returns, a film set in the Richard Donner continuity.

Will the J.J. Abrams-produced standalone Superman film ever happen? Remains to be seen. For now, DC fans are waiting for Superman, directed by James Gunn. The movie will be released in cinema halls across the world on July 11, 2025.