Written By Kieran Bugg
Warner Bros Discovery struck down another one of JJ Abrams‘ DC Films projects. Shortly after WBD kicked his Constantine and Madame X shows from HBO Max, they went after Zatanna. Specifically, J.J. Abrams’ Zatanna film searches for a new streaming home. Thus, another Justice League Dark spin-off bites the dust.
Sort of.
After all, Abrams can sell them to other companies. In other words, there’s a chance Netflix can grab one of two of them like another DC Comics property, The Sandman.
When J.J. Abrams signed a five-year, $250 million deal with Warner Bros. in 2019, some media outlets called him the savior of DC. Three years later, none of his DC movies or TV shows has materialized. One of which is a Black Superman from an alternate universe.
Warner Bros Discovery Cancels Another Of JJ Abrams’ DC Projects
Image: DC Comics
In addition, Abrams also planned to tap into the more supernatural side of the DC universe. This would’ve led up to a potential Justice League Dark crossover event.
J.J. Abrams and his company, Bad Robot, would’ve produced these films and TV programs. Among the characters that were in his sights was Zatanna. Moreover, they even hired Emerald Fennell to pen the movie’s script.
Warner Bros. Discovery will no longer move forward with it. In addition, all this cast doubt on Abrams’ Justice League Dark. After all, its members could end up with different companies. Sources told us that DC Films has plans for their own Justice League Dark movie.
Aside from her guest appearance on the CW’s Smallville, Zatanna has yet to fully receive the spotlight in live action. Fans of the magical heroine will no doubt be disheartened to hear of the film’s cancellation.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the character’s cinematic future is now in question. Despite Abrams’ Constantine series no longer happening, a sequel to the character’s 2005 solo movie is now in active development. A surprising move from the studio given the film’s mixed reputation among fans and critics.
Warner Bros Discovery Cancels Another Of JJ Abrams’ DC Projects
Image: DC Comics
Still, the news of a sequel was met with a warm reception as DC’s management restructuring was taking place. Furthermore, Keanu Reeves is set to once again reprise his role as DC’s suave occultist.
Both characters have often appeared together in the comics and are founding members of Justice League Dark. In addition, the pair often engaged in an on-and-off again romantic relationship with each other.
It’s possible that we could see Zatanna as a possible love interest for Reeves’ Constantine in the upcoming sequel. Hopefully, should the movie be a success for the studio, Zatanna could possibly receive her own spin-off.