DC Comics’ Black Canary getting her own standalone HBO Max movie

Black Canary will sing again now that HBO Max has given the green light to a standalone Black Canary movie developed exclusively for the streaming platform. Jurnee Smollett will be back in the role she originated in the 2020 film Birds of Prey, and the story will be written by Lovecraft Country’s Misha Green.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed a story from Cinelinx that the project was underway. Birds of Prey producer Sue Kroll will return to produce Black Canary.

A Black Canary movie on HBO Max makes sense

Smollett gave a standout performance in Birds of Prey, moving from sultry to deadly in the blink of an eye. She can also sing beautifully, which is another feather in her Black Canary cap. The Emmy-nominated actor already has a terrific relationship with Green, the Emmy-nominated showrunner behind HBO’s Lovecraft Country.

Green signed an overall deal with Apple in July following Lovecraft Country’s cancellation, making her return to HBO rather interesting. It remains to be seen whether she will also direct the Black Canary movie or if she will continue to work on the project with Smollett in the future should the franchise take flight.

The move makes perfect sense for HBO Max, which is now home to all of DC Entertainment’s ventures including Titans and Doom Patrol, two live-action series that debuted on the DC Universe streaming service.

With so many characters to work with in the DC Comics pantheon, it’s only natural they would find their way to HBO Max. Now that the streamer has gained a solid subscriber base, debuting original movies direct to the customers is clever; it lets HBO Max side-step theaters while also aiming the spotlight at DC characters that wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to shine.

Black Canary debuted in the 1940s and is often paired with Green Arrow. Dinah Drake was the original Canary before her daughter Dinah Laurel Lance took over. She’s been known to work closely with members of the Justice League, and her trademark canary cry is powerful enough to take down everyone within range.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels

h/t SyFy Wire