Spielberg Set To Direct His First DC Universe Movie

We have some breaking news tonight as we hear that Steven Spielberg is set to step into the realm of the DC Universe and direct Blackhawk.  What's more the screenplay will be by long time Spielberg collaborator, David Koepp.

DC's Statement on the new Blackhawk Spielberg collaboration

Here's what DC has to say on the amazing news:

Fresh on the heels of Ready Player One (which features cameo appearances by Batman, Harley Quinn, Batgirl and more), Steven Spielberg is ready to dive into the DC Universe proper with Blackhawk, a just-announced feature film from Spielberg, Amblin Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures based on the classic DC series about a squadron of WWII-era pilots. Blackhawk, which Spielberg is hoping to direct, will be his first featured centered around characters from the DC Universe.

In announcing the film, Warner Bros. Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich said, “We are so proud to be the studio behind Steven Spielberg’s latest hit, and are thrilled to be working with him again on this new action adventure.  We can’t wait to see what new ground he will break in introducing Blackhawk to movie audiences worldwide.”

The screenplay for Blackhawk is being written by frequent Spielberg collaborator David Koepp, who was the screenwriter on Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Spielberg will produce the film together with Kristie Macosko Krieger, under the Amblin Entertainment banner, while Sue Kroll will executive produce, under her Kroll & Co. Entertainment shingle.

In the world of comics, Blackhawk is a wartime adventure series focusing on the titular Blackhawk, who commanded a squadron of ace pilots also known as the Blackhawks or the Blackhawk Squadron. The squadron would battle the Axis powers, as well as more fantastic super-villains and war machines, such as the memorable shark planes, which could operate in water as well as in the air. While the team debuted in 1941 in the heart of comics' Golden Age, they’ve also been adapted to the modern era as a part of The New 52 and have spawned a well-known DC heroine, Lady Blackhawk, who joined the series in the late 1950s.

Steven Spielberg's statement on taking on Blackhawk

“It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen.  They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre.  I am excited to reunite with them on Blackhawk.”

What is Blackhawk?

Blackhawk first appeared way back in 1941 (of course, during the second world war.)  The Blackhawks are a team of pilots with immense skill that kind of protect the planet from evil.  Expect to see dog fights like you've never seen before.

When will we see the Spielberg Blackhawk?

Although this is exciting news, don't hold your breath as Spielberg still intends to direct that West Side Story movie and of course there's a small matter of Indy V.  One thing we must not take for granted in that statement from DC above is those words "Spielberg hoping to direct."  At this time, it looks like Spielberg is yet to confirm or commit to the director's chair but with DC being that confident that they mention it in their press release, I suspect that this is a given he will direct the movie.  It's a big achievement for Warner Bros. who are still enjoying the success of Spielberg's Ready Player One.  Blackhawk will also be a partnership with Amblin Entertainment.

Your Opinion?

What do you think of Steven Spielberg to direct a DC movie?  Are you excited to see the iconic director tackle a subject matter such as Blackhawk?  Is it a good thing or would you have like to have seen Spielberg take on another DC legend?  Let us know in the comments below.

Rob Wainfur
@thebeardedtrio