After first getting word that a Black Canary movie was potentially in development at Warner Bros. earlier this week, Cinelinx has seemingly confirmed the existence of the project, revealing that HBO Max has tapped Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green to write the screenplay for a live-action spinoff.
Primetime Emmy-nominee Jurnee Smollett will reprise her role as Dinah Lance from Cathy Yan's Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), which, despite its box office shortcomings, earned positive marks for Smollett's endearing performance.
Green's hiring will reunite the writer with her former Lovecraft Country star. The duo previously expressed interest in working together on a Black Canary spinoff last year, and it seems like they've turned their wishful thinking into a reality.
While there's still a small chance Black Canary could become a miniseries as development progresses, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that it is currently being developed as a movie, exclusively for HBO Max, joining the previously announced straight-to-streaming DC film titles Batgirl and Blue Beetle, which have up-and-comers Leslie Grace (In The Heights) and Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai) set to star.
As for when we can expect an official announcement, this October's DC FanDome event seems like the safest bet, and depending on the status of the script, we could be getting a director reveal around that time, if not sooner. Also, considering Green is already set to write and direct Alicia Vikander's upcoming Tomb Raider sequel for WB and MGM, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility that she ends up pulling double duty on Black Canary as well.