Darren Aronofsky, the acclaimed director known for his intense and thought-provoking films, is reportedly in talks to helm a "Plastic Man" film for James Gunn's newly reimagined DC Universe (DCU). This news, first reported by reliable source DCULeaks and corroborated by another insider, comes from a listing on Production Weekly, further suggesting Aronofsky's potential involvement in the project.
While a confirmation is yet to be made, the speculation surrounding Aronofsky's potential inclusion in the DCU is hardly surprising, given his history of diverse and unconventional cinematic choices. He was even previously attached to direct an R-rated "Batman" film co-written by Frank Miller.
"Plastic Man", a character with the ability to stretch and contort his body, has yet to receive his own solo film. Notably, Gunn previously pitched a "Plastic Man" film to Warner Bros. back in the day, with Matthew Lillard attached to play the titular role. Although the project was rejected at the time, Gunn, now in charge of the DCU, may be revisiting this old concept, potentially requiring no formal greenlight given his current role.
Aronofsky's recent film, "The Whale", starring Brendan Fraser, received favourable reviews and even earned Fraser an Oscar for Best Actor, demonstrating the director's ability to deliver commercially successful films while retaining his artistic vision. Currently, he is set to begin shooting "Caught Stealing", a gritty New York City crime thriller starring Austin Butler and Zoe Kravitz, in September. The film, produced by Sony, is scheduled for release in 2025.
Aronofsky, known for his distinctive cinematic style, boasts a relatively small but impressive filmography spanning 25 years, including notable works like "Pi", "Requiem for a Dream", "Black Swan", and "The Wrestler". His potential involvement with "Plastic Man" could bring a fresh and intriguing perspective to the character, further expanding the DCU's diverse and ambitious slate.