'The New Gods' Teams Up Ava DuVernay With 'Batman' Writer Tom King
Ava DuVernay is getting some help in creating the adaptation of DC Comics' "The New Gods."
Award-winning "Batman" comic writer Tom King has joined the project to co-write the script with DuVernay, who is attached as the director. This will make her the second woman to direct a Warner Bros./DC movie after Patty Jenkins of "Wonder Woman."
DuVernay tweeted the news about the collaboration herself:
In the Jack Kirby-created "New Gods," the titular beings arise after the Old Gods are destroyed during Ragnarok. The New Gods live on two warring planets, the idyllic New Genesis and the hellish Apokolips, which are ruled by powerful but morally opposite leaders.
New Genesis is ruled by the benevolent Highfather, and Apokolips by the despot Darkseid. The latter schemes to eliminate free will in the universe and is considered one of the most dangerous villains in the DC Universe.
King is coming off an acclaimed run writing the comic "Mister Miracle," which centers on the son of Highfather who is raised on Apokolips. After years of torture under the rule of Darkseid, he escapes to Earth.
King also left the "Batman" comic series just last week, with issue #85 being his last. The shortened length of his celebrated run was viewed with concern by fans, but with this "New Gods" news, it seems DC had other project in mind for him.