Why Warner Bros. Said No to a Black Superman: The “Too Woke” Controversy Explained
Warner Bros. recently canceled the much-anticipated Black Superman movie, labeling it as “too woke” — a term that has sparked quite a debate, especially since the CEO behind this decision, David Zaslav, seems to misunderstand what “woke” truly means.
- Background on the canceled Black Superman movie written by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Why the project was shut down and what “too woke” means in this context
- The real origin and evolution of the term “woke”
- The cultural and social implications of calling the movie “too woke”
The Black Superman Movie That Never Was
Back in 2021, Warner Bros. announced a reboot of Superman featuring a Black lead, written by acclaimed author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams. The story was set during America’s Civil Rights era, highlighting real-life heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X alongside a reimagined Kal-El. Coates expressed his excitement, hoping the film would offer audiences a fresh and meaningful experience.
However, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the project was abruptly canceled in 2022 by Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav. The reason? The movie was deemed “too woke” due to its racial themes. Despite James Gunn now leading DC Studios and still seeing potential for the film, Coates’ Superman didn’t make it into the new DC Universe slate.
What Does “Too Woke” Even Mean?
The phrase “too woke” has become a catch-all criticism for anything that challenges traditional or dominant narratives, especially those that center on racial and social justice. In Zaslav’s case, insiders suggest it’s a euphemism for “no Black stories allowed if they challenge or simply state historical facts.” But calling a Superman movie — no matter the color of the hero — “too woke” feels misplaced, especially considering Superman’s legacy as a symbol of justice and fighting evil.
The True Origin of “Woke” and Its Evolution
The term “stay woke” actually comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE). It originally urged Black Americans to stay alert to political and social injustices, especially during the era of segregation and legalized racism.
One of the earliest examples is Lead Belly’s 1938 protest song “Scottsboro Boys”, which called for awareness about the wrongful accusations and unfair trials of nine Black teenagers. Lead Belly emphasized the importance of staying aware by urging people to “stay woke and keep your eyes open.”
Over time, Black artists and activists carried this spirit forward. For instance, Georgia Anne Muldrow introduced a modern take on “woke” to neo-soul legend Erykah Badu on the 2008 track “Master Teacher”, describing it as a deep connection to Black history and struggle.
From Empowerment to Controversy
By 2014, “stay woke” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, encouraging people to remain aware of systemic oppression. But after widespread BLM protests, the term was co-opted by right-wing media, twisted into a negative label aimed at social justice efforts and diverse representation — including in pop culture.
In 2025, calling something “woke” can mean simply fighting for the rights of marginalized groups or telling stories outside the white, straight, male norm. Even Superman, an alien immigrant by nature, isn’t immune to these debates. As right-wing commentators argue, a Black Superman is “too woke” — despite Superman’s long history of standing up against injustice, from punching Nazis in 1938’s Action Comics #1 to battling corrupt elites in James Gunn’s upcoming movie.
It’s important to remember that superhero stories are fundamentally about fighting for what’s right — not just for the “right” people.
What This Means for Representation
If Zaslav really used “too woke” to cancel Coates’ Black Superman, it shows how the term has been distorted to suppress marginalized voices. As the White House fact sheet points out, these culture wars often target educational and artistic projects that highlight racial truths.
In the words of Lead Belly and echoed by many activists since, to “stay woke” means to keep fighting the good fight — something that Superman, no matter his skin color, embodies.
