Highlights
- Static Shock deserves a live-action debut, but a TV series may better serve his story and popularity.
- The status of a Static Shock movie is uncertain, but this may not be unfortunate for the franchise.
- A live-action series for Static could be a better option to revive the character, with potential for success and a compelling story.
One of DC's most beloved Black superheroes, Static, indeed deserves his live-action movie debut. But, his story may be better served on television. Although Static has been reintroduced in the comics with Static: Season One #1, his popularity and prospects as a mainstream DC character remains questionable. Producing a live-action movie based on the comics is a win for Static fans and more diversity in DC Studios' films regardless of when it happens.
The animated series Static Shock aired on WB's Saturday morning cartoon line-up from 2000 to 2004. Based on the Static comics by DC's Milestone Media, Static is a teen superhero who receives electromagnetic powers after a chemical explosion exposes him to a radioactive substance. As one of many "Bang Babies" in New York City, Virgil Hawkins, also known as Static, strives to keep other metahumans from wreaking havoc in the city while trying to live the normal life that was taken from him.
What’s Happening With Static’s Movie?
Static wasn't always a part of the DC universe. The common heroes, Batman, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, and such, were fictional in Static's world. This is important because it gives DC Studios more options to consider on how to produce any future live-action Static Shock project. For now, however, the status of a Static Shock movie may be on hold.
The name’s Static. I put a shock to your system.
In an attempt to make Static more mainstream, comic book writer and director Reginald Hudlin announced in 2020 that a live-action adaptation was in development. After a monumental transaction between Warner Bros. and Discovery which merged the two companies, many films and series in development or production were canceled. It appears the live-action Static Shock may have succumbed to the same fate. This may not be an unfortunate circumstance for the franchise, however.
Why Static Would Work Better As A Series
Rather, this could be DC Studios' chance to bring Static Shock back to the silver screen, this time in live-action form. While Static is a fan-favorite superhero thanks to his animated series, he is still not as popular as the founding Justice League members. This renders the marketability of a live-action movie potentially low if the studio relies on the strength of Static's name alone. Trying to replicate the success of Black Panther with a character who has had a long absence in mainstream media may have been an overzealous move on DC's part.
I’ve been carrying this weight around with me all my life without knowing it, and now it’s gone.
That's assuming that there was no attached household name star to play the titular role. A popular leading actor could have bolstered the film's prospects. Michael B. Jordan, who did a phenomenal job with his portrayal as Killmonger in Black Panther, is attached to at least co-produce the Static movie. All signs may point to a global success if the right elements continue to come together for the project. But without a mainstream actor, the niche superhero film, likely on a typical big superhero budget, may not be a profitable project for global distribution.
Still, that shouldn't stop them from considering other options. If money and talent are the issue, television could be Static's live-action hope for revival.
A Live-Action Static Series Could Bridge Smallville and Black Lightning
That being said, it is important to note that these factors are not necessarily indicators of box office success, nor do they predict the quality of the potential film. DC Studios' Blue Beetle, for instance, may not have been considered a box office success, but it was received well by the audiences that did see it. With this in mind, a live-action Static film could be on pause until these risks are better mitigated. Or, DC Studios could proceed with the better option of producing Static as a live-action coming-of-age series like Smallville.
Casting lesser-known television actors for a live-action Static series is both less risky and less expensive. The cinematic quality of superhero shows has greatly improved since the days of Smallville, and Black Lightning's run could inform the direction of a Static series. Focusing on the coming-of-age drama instead of world-saving storylines grounds the potential series even further, and brings it more in line with the animated series.
The best part is that Static doesn't have to be connected to the DCU in any way. This gives the filmmakers more freedom to craft a compelling story that doesn't have to connect to other projects. It could work in the same way Smallville did for Clark Kent's journey before becoming Superman in the finale. Having Virgil/Static learn to control his powers as he navigates the trials and tribulations of high school, or mourns his former normal life, could be the beginning of another hit teen superhero drama for DC Studios.
