Amidst Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn breaking things off with Joker, she found solace in a badass girl gang, with Birds of Prey coming out in early 2020. That title group included Jurnee Smollett’s Dinah Lance, who will now reportedly return to the DCEU thanks to news that a Black Canary movie script is in early development at HBO Max. The writer behind the script is Emmy-nominated Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green.
The report about the Birds of Prey spinoff was initially an exclusive to Cinelinx and then additionally confirmed by Collider. The news comes following months of internet campaigning from DC fans who shared their interest in seeing more of Jurnee Smollett’s Black Canary, along with both the actress and Green previously sharing their interest in bringing this to life.
Jurnee Smollett and Misha Green worked together on HBO’s Lovecraft Country, which was axed by the network despite it being well loved by viewers and receiving 18 Emmy nominations. A Black Canary movie is a great way for the pair to work together again and Warner Bros to utilize Misha Green’s unique voice.
Misha Green is also writing and directing the Alicia Vikander-starring Tomb Raider 2 and penning a female-led action thriller starring Jennifer Lopez called The Mother. Per this Black Canary report, the standalone movie is in early development, so it could be some time before we see Dinah Lance back in action, but it’s exciting that the character could be singing once again after her memorable introduction in Birds of Prey.
The next question on the table here would be whether any of the other Birds of Prey actors might join Jurnee Smollett on this standalone project. The first character that comes to mind is Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Huntress, but there’s also Rosie Perez’s Renee Montoya and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, of course. Robbie just appeared in The Suicide Squad for her third DCEU appearance, but the actress has shared her interest in jumping back into the character as soon as she can.
This Black Canary movie looks like it could be a smaller-scale project as well since it’s being developed for HBO Max rather than Warner Bros film division. Recently, there have been a number of moves between DC and HBO Max as WB stays competitive with Disney+’s Marvel model. For example, the upcoming Batgirl movie starring Leslie Grace is also being made for HBO Max. And John Cena will star in a Peacemaker series following The Suicide Squad.
Along with being a member of the Birds of Prey, Dinah Lance is also associated with the Justice League and most famously Green Arrow in the comics. We’d certainly be curious how she could be showcased on her own through Misha Green’s collaboration with DC. Until we know more, check out what other upcoming DC projects are on the way.
