Steven Spielberg to produce and potentially direct DC comic-book movie Blackhawk

About a squadron of fighter pilots who fight the Nazis in World War II

(Steven Spielberg. Credit: Getty Images)

Following the success of Ready Player One – which has grossed almost $500 million worldwide – Steven Spielberg has announced another project with Warner Bros.

The acclaimed director (whose movies have now grossed over $10 million) will produce and possibly direct an adaptation of the DC comic-book Blackhawk.

First published in 1941, Blackhawk follows a squadron of fighter pilots who fight the Nazis in World War II. First published by Quality, DC bought the series and the squadron eventually teamed up with Justice League members.

Spielberg has made multiple films set in the same era, including Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, and Empire of the Sun.

“It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen,” the director said in a statement.

“They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre. I am excited to reunite with them on Blackhawk.”

Spielberg may never have directed a DC comic adaptation before, but he has taken on comic books before with The Adventures of Tintin.

David Koepp – a frequent Spielberg collaborator, who wrote Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – will pen the script.

Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich added: “We are so proud to be the studio behind Steven Spielberg’s latest hit, and are thrilled to be working with him again on this new action adventure. We can’t wait to see what new ground he will break in introducing Blackhawk to movie audiences worldwide.”

While there are still questions around whether Spielberg will direct the movie (although reports indicate this looks likely), the project wouldn’t come around until after the as-yet untitled Indiana Jones sequel and West Side Story remake.