Ava DuVernay, who saw her latest directorial work, A Wrinkle in Time, bomb at the box office, has been tapped by DC Films and Warner Bros. to direct a New Gods movie.
According to Variety, DuVernay’s New Gods will be part of the DC Extended Universe which includes Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, and Justice League. However, the report also indicates New Gods will be “aimed at creating a new universe of properties for the studio.”
Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle Time in has only grossed just over $48 million going into its second week. The film reportedly had a production budget over $100 million. She’s also directed Selma.
The New Gods were actually introduced to the DC Extended Universe in Justice League with Steppenwolf. He even references one of the leaders of the New Gods, Darkseid.
The New Gods characters were created by Jack Kirby back in the 1970s. It involves powerful beings who occupy the twin planets New Genesis and Apokolips. New Genesis is an idyllic paradise ruled by Highfather while Apokolips is a fiery hellscape ruled by the ruthless and cunning Darkseid.
The New Gods exist in the Fourth World outside of time and space. The two worlds war with each other, but eventually find peace with each other when Darkseid and Highfather swap their sons. Darkseid sends his second son Orion to New Genesis while Highfather sends his son Scott Free or Mister Miracle. The swap between the two was actually an extremely questionable choice by Darkseid because a prophecy predicted Orion and Darkseid would meet in a final battle to decide the fate of Apokolips. In fact, the prophecy predicted Orion would defeat Darkseid.
The New Gods are currently being featured in DC Comics’ ongoing Wonder Woman and Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns series. They can also be seen in the miniseries Mister Miracle.
Original plans for the New Gods were rumored to see Darkseid become a main opponent in Justice League sequel. However, DC appears to have shifted direction and will introduce the New Gods in their own film with DuVernay directing.
Warner Bros. and DC Films are currently undergoing internal restructuring and recently promoted Walter Hamada to president of DC Films.
The next DC Films to come out will be Aquaman this December with Shazam! and Wonder Woman 2 following soon after.