By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Ta-Nehisi Coates, the acclaimed essayist and novelist who expanded the world of Wakanda for Marvel comics, will write the script for a new "Superman" film from Warner Bros.
The studio announced Friday that Coates will pen the screenplay for an upcoming "Superman" film that's early in development. J.J. Abrams will produce. No director or star has yet been announced.
"To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor," said Coates in a statement. "I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America's most iconic mythic hero."
Coates is best known as the author of bestsellers including "Between the World and Me," "The Beautiful Struggle" and "We Were Eight Years in Power." Since 2016, he has also penned the Black Panther comics for Marvel, with artist Brian Stelfreeze, a run set to conclude with a final issue in April. He was thanked in the credits of Ryan Coogler's 2018 film "Black Panther."
"Ta-Nehisi Coates's 'Between the World and Me' opened a window and changed the way many of us see the world," said Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. "We're confident that his take on Superman will give fans a new and exciting way to see the Man of Steel."
The news was first reported by Shadow and Act.
"There is a new, powerful and moving Superman story yet to be told," said Abrams. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with the brilliant Mr. Coates to help bring that story to the big screen."
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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