Comic Player One?

In an amazing coup for the Zack Snyder-crippled DCEU franchise that no one could’ve predicted, Warner Bros. announced that Steven Spielberg will direct the film adaptation of DC Comics’ “Blackhawk”.

Energized by the experience of Ready Player One even more than he was probably expecting, Spielberg wants to jump back into more blockbuster tentpole filmmaking. With the relationship he forged with WB on that project, Spielberg is ready to collaborate on another.

Then you look at the basis of this lesser-known title and it makes even more sense for Spielberg. Blackhawk is set in 1940s World War II. It follows an ace team of multi-national fighter pilots, each known by their single name call sign. Their leader? Yep, Blackhawk.

“It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen,” Spielberg said. “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.”

While many cinephiles would likely prefer the 71-year-old legend stick to more “important” films with however few he may have left (especially since one is already slotted to a fifth Indiana Jones movie), this may come as disappointing news.

But if Ready Player One ends up causing Spielberg to unexpectedly bring his career full circle, ending with a flourish of popcorn entertainment in the mold of those he thrilled a generation with when first began, well, I’m game for that. Sign me up.

A screenwriter has been set, and he’s a Spielberg favorite: David Koepp (Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, Indy 5). A timetable, however, has not. The only thing that’s clear is that Spielberg will still make the previously announced Indy 5 and West Side Story remake first. Blackhawk will likely follow, which means we may not see it on the big screen for another three to five years.

Which, if we’re being honest, may mean he never actually ends up directing Blackhawk. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if at some point Spielberg decides to stay on as producer but hand the project over to another director. But I hope not.

I want to see Steven Spielberg‘s superhero movie.

[UPDATE: In subsequent reports since the original news, the announcement has been tweaked to say that Spielberg is producing the project with an eye to direct, sort of confirming my suspicions that this isn’t necessarily in the bag for him to helm. But here’s to hoping.]