Blackstar (2028 film)

Blackstar
Directed by	Evan Rourke
Based on	Blackstar by Daniel Mercer
Produced by	Mara Ellison
Starring	Callum Reid
Production company	Titan Forge Studios
Release date	October 6, 2028 (2028-10-06)
Country	United States
Language	English

Blackstar is an upcoming American superhero film based on the comic book series of the same name created by Daniel Mercer. The film is directed by Evan Rourke, produced by Mara Ellison, and stars Callum Reid as Adrian Vale / Blackstar. It is produced by Titan Forge Studios.

The film was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026. It draws inspiration from the 1997 comic book storyline Blackstar: City Without Morning, but is not a direct adaptation. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in February 2027.

Blackstar is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 6, 2028.

Premise

Years after an astronomical event known as the Black Fall connects former emergency physician Adrian Vale to a mysterious energy called the Void, thousands of residents of the city of Vesper disappear over the course of a single night. After authorities seal off the affected area, Vale enters the city and discovers that the disappearances may be connected to the event that gave him his abilities.

Cast

• Callum Reid as Adrian Vale / Blackstar, a former emergency physician who gained supernatural abilities after becoming connected to the Void.

Production

Development

The film is based on Blackstar, a comic book series created by Daniel Mercer and first published in 1994. The comics follow Adrian Vale, an emergency physician who becomes connected to an extradimensional energy known as the Void following an astronomical event called the Black Fall. The series incorporates elements of superhero fiction, psychological horror, crime and supernatural mystery.

Titan Forge Studios developed the film with Evan Rourke directing and Mara Ellison producing. The film draws heavily from the 1997 storyline Blackstar: City Without Morning, although the studio stated that it would not be a direct adaptation.

Rourke described the film as a grounded supernatural thriller rather than a conventional superhero origin story. He said that the film would begin after Vale had already become Blackstar and would focus on the consequences that his abilities had had on his life.

The filmmakers developed the project as a standalone film rather than as the beginning of a planned shared universe. Ellison said that the story was intended to feel complete without requiring sequels or crossover films, while leaving open the possibility of further projects depending on audience interest.

Casting

Callum Reid was announced as Adrian Vale / Blackstar during the film's presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026. Reid said during the presentation that he had concealed his involvement in the film for approximately six months.

Design

Concept art shown during the Comic-Con presentation depicted Blackstar wearing a weathered black tactical coat over a fitted protective suit, with parts of the costume appearing damaged by the Void. The character's white eyes from the comics were also retained.

Rourke said that the filmmakers intended for Blackstar to have an intimidating appearance and that the white-eye effect would largely be created practically during filming rather than entirely through visual effects.

Filming

An early camera and costume test was conducted before the film's announcement. Approximately 55 seconds of footage from the test was shown during the film's Comic-Con presentation.

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in February 2027.

Marketing

Blackstar was officially announced by Titan Forge Studios on July 25, 2026, during the studio's Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con. The announcement followed a fictional emergency transmission and security-camera footage depicting deserted streets before the film's title and October 6, 2028 release date were revealed.

The studio also showed approximately 55 seconds of unfinished footage from an early camera and costume test. The footage showed Vale walking through the evacuated streets of Vesper before encountering silhouettes inside an apartment building and activating his abilities.

Release

Blackstar is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on October 6, 2028.