Screenwriter John Ridley Plans To Reveal 'The Other History Of The DC Universe'
Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley is expected to take DC Comics readers on a journey throughout the history of the DC Comics universe.
History Through New Eyes
The 12 Years A Slave screenwriter will take DC Comics fans back in time to key parts of DC Comics' storied history. Instead of seeing the story develop from the eyes of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Joker, Lex Luthor or Harley Quinn, readers will experience its fabled history through the eyes of several minority characters.
Ridley will tell his story through John Stewart, the first African-American Green Lantern, Vixen, Supergirl, Gotham City Police Department detective Renee Montoya, Katana, and Extraño, who was DC Comics' first LGBT character and might be considered DC's answer to Doctor Strange.
The Characters' Challenges
The Other History of the DC Universe is expected to elevate DC Comics' storytelling efforts. Ridley is expected to showcase each character's particular set of challenges through some of these fabled historical moments in DC Comics' history. The characters' challenges could potentially range from dealing with racists civilians and coming out to their families to reacting to the Deaths of Superman or the Flash and facing off against the Legion of Doom.
Silver Screen Potential?
If Ridley's story is a hit, there is a strong possibility that DC Films could adapt it. DC Films has produced several big screen adaptations of DC Comics characters such as Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. Recently, the company underwent a significant reorganization shift after Justice League failed to meet the company's box office goals. The Other History of the DC Universe could present as a potential first test for DC Films' newest president Walter Hamada.
Hamada, who replaced former president Jon Berg earlier this year, might want to test drive the story first since a majority of the characters are minorities. DC Films has already found success with characters that have minority backgrounds headlining a silver screen adventure. The 2017 superhero film, Wonder Woman, not only was beloved by critics and fans, but the film also made Gal Gadot an international household name.
An Excited Ridley
While The Secret History of the DC Universe is still in the developmental stage, Ridley expressed his thrill to work with DC Comics on an intriguing story with characters that earned the chance to be highlighted.
"I'm very impressed with DC's commitment to making their history as reverent and urgent as it is engaging and entertaining for all its many fans," said Ridley.
The Secret History of the DC Universe is expected to be released in winter 2018.
