Blackstar (2028 film)
| Blackstar | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Evan Rourke |
| Screenplay by | Nathan Cole Evan Rourke |
| Based on | Blackstar by Daniel Mercer |
| Produced by | Mara Ellison |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Matthias Keller |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
| 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. Directed by Evan Rourke from a screenplay he co-wrote with Nathan Cole, and produced by Mara Ellison, the film stars Callum Reid as Adrian Vale / Blackstar, alongside Rebecca Ferguson, David Jonsson, Dan Stevens, Daisy Edgar-Jones, J. K. Simmons, Jessie Buckley, Brian Tyree Henry, Rory McCann, LaKeith Stanfield, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Gosling. It is produced by Titan Forge Studios.
The film was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, with Reid confirmed in the title role. It draws inspiration from the 1997 comic-book storyline Blackstar: City Without Morning, but is not a direct adaptation. The principal cast was announced in October 2026, with Stanfield joining in January 2027. Reynolds, Jackman and Gosling were added in undisclosed roles when principal photography began on February 15, 2027, in the United Kingdom. Filming reportedly concluded later that year, with the film entering post-production.
Blackstar is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on October 6, 2028.
Premise
Eleven years after an astronomical event known as the Black Fall altered the city of Vesper and permanently connected former emergency physician Adrian Vale to a mysterious extradimensional energy called the Void, Vale has learned to live with the effects of the event. When thousands of people disappear from part of the city during a single night, he returns to the site of the Black Fall and discovers evidence suggesting that someone he believed he had lost may still be alive.[1]
Cast
- Callum Reid as Adrian Vale / Blackstar, a former emergency physician who was permanently altered by the Black Fall and became connected to the Void. By the beginning of the film, he has possessed his abilities for more than a decade and has operated as Blackstar for several years, although his existence remains uncertain to much of the public.[1]
- Rebecca Ferguson as Dr. Evelyn Voss, a theoretical physicist and former Black Fall researcher who has spent years investigating the phenomenon responsible for Adrian's transformation.[1]
- David Jonsson as Detective Isaac Ward, a detective with the Vesper Police Department investigating unexplained disappearances in the months preceding the film's central event. The character is based on a minor figure from the comics but was substantially expanded for the film.[1]
- Dan Stevens as Dr. Silas Vane, the former director of the Vesper Institute for Extradimensional Research and one of the principal scientists who investigated the Black Fall. In the comics, Vane eventually becomes the Hollow Man, although Titan Forge did not identify the film's version of the character by that name.[1]
- Daisy Edgar-Jones as Mara Vale, Adrian's younger sister, whose disappearance during the Black Fall has affected him for eleven years. In the source material, Mara is presumed dead following the event.[1]
- J. K. Simmons as Dr. Malcolm Vale, Adrian and Mara's father and a scientist who investigated the Black Fall. His relationship with Adrian has deteriorated by the beginning of the film, and he possesses undisclosed information concerning the event.[1]
- Jessie Buckley as Elena Cross, an investigative journalist who has documented unexplained incidents throughout Vesper and believes that many can be traced to the Black Fall.[1]
- Brian Tyree Henry as Commissioner Arthur Kane, the commissioner of the Vesper Police Department, who orders the evacuation and containment of part of the city following the mass disappearances.[1]
- Rory McCann as Father Gabriel Rook, a mysterious figure who operates a shelter in one of Vesper's oldest districts and possesses knowledge of supernatural events predating Adrian's transformation.[1]
- LaKeith Stanfield as Dr. Julian Cross, a former researcher at the Vesper Institute whose disappearance following the Black Fall left unresolved questions. The character was created for the film and incorporates elements from several minor characters in the comics.[2]
- Ryan Reynolds in an undisclosed role.[3]
- Hugh Jackman in an undisclosed role.[3]
- Ryan Gosling in an undisclosed role.[3]
Production
Development
Blackstar is based on the comic-book series of the same name created by Daniel Mercer, which was first published in 1994. The comics follow Adrian Vale, an emergency physician who becomes permanently connected to an extradimensional force called the Void following an astronomical phenomenon known as the Black Fall. The series combines elements of superhero fiction, psychological horror, crime fiction and supernatural fiction.[4]
Titan Forge Studios privately began developing the film more than two years before its public announcement.[1] Evan Rourke was hired to direct, with Mara Ellison producing. Rourke co-wrote the screenplay with Nathan Cole.[5] The film draws heavily from the 1997 storyline Blackstar: City Without Morning, although Rourke said that it would not be a direct adaptation.[4]
Rourke described the project as a grounded supernatural thriller rather than a conventional superhero origin story. The film does not depict Vale initially acquiring his abilities and instead begins years after he became Blackstar.[4][1] Rourke said that the story would focus on the consequences of Vale's transformation and his reluctance to act as a conventional hero.[4]
The filmmakers developed the project as a standalone story rather than as the first instalment of a planned shared universe. Ellison said in July 2026 that the film was intended to feel complete without relying on sequels or crossover films.[4] Titan Forge reiterated this position in October, stating that no sequel or wider interconnected franchise had been announced.[1]
In December 2026, industry reports claimed that Titan Forge had begun preliminary discussions about a potential sequel, with Rourke and Ellison reportedly considering possible directions for Adrian Vale's story and Cole said to have been asked to compile ideas for a follow-up.[5] The reports described the project as being in early development without a screenplay, production date or formal greenlight. They also claimed that the Pale King, an antagonist introduced in Blackstar #47 in 1998, had been discussed as a possible character.[5]
Titan Forge denied those reports in January 2027. Ellison said that no sequel had been commissioned, that no story treatment or screenplay was in development, and that Cole had not been formally asked to develop a follow-up.[2] Rourke similarly said that although he had ideas for additional stories, no second film was in development. He also denied that plans involving the Pale King existed at that time.[2]
The studio again stated that Blackstar was not intended to launch an interconnected Titan Forge film universe and that no spin-offs or crossover films were in development.[2] On the first day of principal photography, Titan Forge reiterated that no sequel was in development.[3]
Casting
Callum Reid was announced as Adrian Vale / Blackstar during Titan Forge Studios' presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026. Reid said during the presentation that he had concealed his involvement with the production for approximately six months.[4]
In August 2026, several entertainment industry insiders reported that Titan Forge had accelerated casting ahead of the planned start of filming. Rebecca Ferguson was reported to have entered negotiations for an undisclosed role, while David Jonsson was reported to have been offered a supporting part.[6] Dan Stevens was reported to be under consideration to portray Dr. Silas Vane, while J. K. Simmons was linked to an unidentified supporting role connected to Adrian's past.[6]
Reports also stated that the studio was testing actresses for a female co-lead identified in casting materials only as "Mara". The role was speculated to be Mara Vale, Adrian's younger sister in the comics.[6] Titan Forge did not comment on the reports at the time.
On October 8, 2026, Titan Forge formally announced the film's principal cast. Ferguson was confirmed as Dr. Evelyn Voss, Jonsson as Detective Isaac Ward, Stevens as Dr. Silas Vane, Daisy Edgar-Jones as Mara Vale and Simmons as Dr. Malcolm Vale.[1] The studio also announced Jessie Buckley as investigative journalist Elena Cross, Brian Tyree Henry as Vesper police commissioner Arthur Kane, and Rory McCann as Father Gabriel Rook.[1]
Rourke described Ward as an audience viewpoint character who begins the film without knowledge of the Void or Blackstar while investigating disappearances across Vesper.[1] He also rejected describing Vane solely as the film's villain, stating that the character believes his actions are justified and that the film was designed so audiences could understand his reasoning.[1]
Edgar-Jones's casting as Mara confirmed that the character would appear in the film despite being presumed dead following the Black Fall. Asked whether Edgar-Jones would appear only in flashback sequences, Rourke said that she would not, but declined to provide further details.[1]
In January 2027, LaKeith Stanfield was announced as Dr. Julian Cross, a character created for the film.[2] Cross was described as a former Vesper Institute researcher who disappeared following the Black Fall. Rourke said the character incorporated elements from several minor figures in Mercer's early comics but had been substantially created for the adaptation.[2] Stanfield had joined the project in late 2026 after meeting with Rourke and Ellison.[2]
On February 15, 2027, the first day of principal photography, Titan Forge announced that Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Gosling had joined the cast in undisclosed roles.[3] None of the actors had previously been publicly associated with the production. Ellison said that all three were portraying characters within the film's narrative rather than appearing as themselves or in promotional cameos.[3]
Titan Forge did not identify their characters or the extent of their roles. Reports associated with the announcement stated that the three actors had differing amounts of screen time, with one described as having a substantial supporting role, another a smaller but significant role, and the third a brief appearance, although it was not disclosed which description applied to which actor.[3]
Their casting led to speculation concerning several characters from the comics, including Nathaniel Grey, Alexander Wren, the Warden, Marcus Kane, Jonas Black and Daniel Creed, as well as renewed speculation surrounding the Pale King. Titan Forge did not confirm that any of those characters would appear.[3]
By October 2027, Titan Forge had still not disclosed the characters portrayed by Reynolds, Jackman or Gosling.[7] Reports concerning the film's marketing campaign claimed that at least one of the three could appear in promotional material before the first full teaser without being identified, while one character could be revealed as part of the planned June 2028 marketing launch.[7]
Design
Early concept art shown during the film's Comic-Con presentation depicted Blackstar wearing a weathered black tactical coat over a fitted protective suit, with areas of the costume appearing damaged or corrupted by the Void.[4] The design retained the character's white eyes from the comics.
Rourke said that Blackstar's appearance was intentionally designed to be intimidating and that the character should initially appear potentially threatening rather than immediately recognisable as a traditional superhero.[4] The white-eye effect was planned to be achieved largely through practical effects rather than created entirely with computer-generated imagery.[4]
By October 2026, costume fittings and movement rehearsals involving Reid and the Blackstar suit were underway.[1] Rourke confirmed that the costume displayed at Comic-Con had been an early prototype and that several elements had subsequently been redesigned. The final version was expected to retain the long coat, predominantly black colour scheme and white eyes.[1]
Titan Forge confirmed in January 2027 that the final Blackstar costume had been completed.[2] Rourke said that its general silhouette, long coat and white eyes had been retained from the earlier prototype, while other elements had been refined during pre-production.[2]
An official promotional image of Reid in the completed costume was released in early February 2027.[3] A second image released on the first day of principal photography showed Reid in costume from behind on one of the Vesper street sets between takes.[3]
Sets and locations
Production designer Helena Ward oversaw the construction of Vesper for the film.[1] Significant portions of the fictional city were built on sound stages and exterior backlots in the United Kingdom rather than represented entirely through existing locations.[1]
Sets included the Vesper Institute for Extradimensional Research, St. Orison Hospital, sections of the city's underground transit system and streets within the area sealed after the disappearances.[1]
Location filming was also planned for Glasgow, Manchester and London.[1] Rourke said that the production aimed to present Vesper as a functioning city with its own culture and neighbourhoods rather than as a direct analogue of another fictional comic-book setting.[1]
By December 2026, construction on the production's largest Vesper sets was underway.[5] Reports stated that several sequences originally expected to rely extensively on digital environments were redesigned around physical sets.[5] Construction of the primary Vesper sets was nearing completion by January 2027.[2]
Filming
Principal photography began on February 15, 2027, in the United Kingdom.[3] Titan Forge announced the start of filming with a black-and-white photograph of a clapperboard on a rain-covered Vesper street set.[3] Rourke accompanied the image with the statement, "Day one. Vesper is alive."[3]
The first day of filming involved Reid, Jonsson and several hundred background actors.[3] Reid's first filmed scenes in the Blackstar costume were shot on the opening day of production.[3]
Matthias Keller served as the film's cinematographer. Keller and Rourke had begun camera tests on completed Vesper sets by January 2027.[2]
Production was expected to continue for approximately five months through July 2027.[3] Additional filming units were planned for several larger sequences later in the schedule.[3]
The opening weeks of photography focused primarily on the constructed Vesper environments before production moved between studio work and location filming elsewhere in the United Kingdom.[3] Several of the film's larger sequences were scheduled for later in the shoot, while material set within the Void was expected to be filmed predominantly during the second half of production.[3]
Rourke also confirmed that the film would include flashback sequences depicting the Black Fall eleven years before the main narrative.[3]
During pre-production, the scope of several sequences involving the Black Fall, the Void and the evacuation of Vesper reportedly increased compared with earlier versions of the screenplay.[5] The production's approach to the Void combined physical environments, miniature photography, practical effects and digital manipulation.[5] Practical-effects work on the Void sequences had been underway for several months before principal photography began.[2]
By October 2027, principal photography had reportedly concluded and the film was in post-production.[7]
Release-date and sequel reports
In December 2026, reports claimed that Titan Forge was reconsidering the film's October 6, 2028 release date because of its expanded production scope and expected visual effects workload.[5] Possible alternatives were reported to include dates in early or mid-2029, although the October 2028 date was said to remain the studio's preferred option.[5]
Titan Forge publicly disputed the reports in January 2027. Ellison said that the studio had not entered discussions to abandon the October 2028 date and that the production and post-production schedules had been designed around that release.[2] Rourke also stated that he was making the film with the October 6, 2028 release date in mind.[2]
The studio reiterated the date when principal photography began in February 2027.[3]
Titan Forge likewise denied reports that a sequel was in active development. Ellison stated in January that there was no commissioned sequel screenplay or treatment, while Rourke denied that the Pale King was being developed for a second film.[2] The studio again stated in February that no sequel was currently in development and declined to comment on whether Reynolds, Jackman or Gosling had contracts containing options for future appearances.[3]
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.[4] The announcement followed a fictional emergency broadcast and security-camera footage depicting apparently abandoned streets in Vesper. The footage ended with the film's title and October 6, 2028 release date.[4]
Titan Forge also screened approximately 55 seconds of unfinished footage recorded during an early camera and costume test. It showed Adrian walking through evacuated streets while emergency broadcasts played from abandoned vehicles. A woman's voice called his name before lights illuminated throughout a nearby apartment building, revealing numerous silhouettes standing behind its windows. Adrian's eyes then turned white before the footage ended.[4]
Following the October 2026 casting announcement, Titan Forge stated that no trailer would be released before principal photography began.[1] The studio instead planned to release the first official image of Reid wearing the completed Blackstar costume shortly before filming.[1] The image was released in early February 2027.[3]
Gaming partnerships
On January 29, 2027, Titan Forge announced a gaming-focused promotional initiative for the film, internally referred to as the "Games Marketing Campaign".[8] The campaign is planned to run during 2028 and will involve promotional collaborations with several existing video games rather than a dedicated film tie-in game.[8]
Claire Donovan, Titan Forge's president of worldwide marketing, said that gaming would form a significant part of the film's promotional campaign.[8] The planned collaborations could include character and weapon cosmetics, limited-time events, themed environments, challenges and other promotional content based on Vesper and the Void.[8]
Titan Forge confirmed that its first gaming partnership had already been signed, having been in development since late 2026, but did not identify the participating game, publisher or developer.[8] Donovan described the title as one of the world's largest multiplayer games. The collaboration is planned to include a playable Blackstar cosmetic based on Reid's appearance in the film, and Reid completed additional 3D scanning for promotional material outside the production.[8]
The studio said that it was planning collaborations with multiple games, with between four and six partnerships under consideration as of January 2027.[8] The content is expected to be released gradually during 2028, with the largest activations planned for August through October.[8]
Some collaborations, described by Titan Forge as "premium integrations", are intended to extend beyond cosmetic items. Concepts under consideration included temporarily altering existing game environments with imagery based on Vesper and the Void, community objectives, and unlocking promotional footage from the film through in-game activity.[8]
Reid is expected to record original dialogue for some of the gaming collaborations, with additional performance sessions incorporated into the film's production schedule.[8] Other cast members could also participate, although Titan Forge had not announced which characters would appear.[8] Rourke said that the promotional content would not contain information required to understand the film and was being developed as an extension of its setting and atmosphere rather than as an essential part of its narrative.[8]
Titan Forge imposed restrictions on material that could be revealed through the collaborations before the film's release. Promotional uses of the Void, Vesper and Blackstar's abilities were permitted, while major plot details involving Mara Vale, the Black Fall and Silas Vane were restricted.[8]
The studio also established a dedicated interactive marketing team to coordinate the partnerships. Participating developers are expected to receive production assets including costume scans, environmental references, sound recordings and character models to maintain visual consistency with the film.[8]
Titan Forge clarified that the campaign did not constitute an announcement of a standalone Blackstar video game. Donovan said that Titan Forge had held discussions concerning possible game projects, but no developer, release window or standalone adaptation had been announced.[8]
Promotional campaign
In October 2027, Titan Forge released a nine-second promotional video depicting an empty Vesper subway platform. The lights flickered as the sound of an approaching train was heard, followed by a voice saying, "Don't look at it", before the Blackstar symbol and the film's release date appeared.[7] According to subsequent reports, the video was internally designated "Snippet 01" and marked the beginning of a series of short promotional videos planned to continue through mid-2028.[7]
The campaign was reportedly designed to introduce Vesper and the film's supernatural elements gradually rather than immediately explain its narrative.[7] Early material was expected to consist largely of short found-footage-style segments using security-camera recordings, emergency-service communications, phone footage, news broadcasts, body camera footage and traffic cameras.[7] Some of the planned segments were internally referred to as "Vesper Incidents".[7]
Reports stated that the early promotional videos would become progressively more revealing during 2028. Planned material included footage of Jonsson as Isaac Ward investigating disappearances, Ferguson as Evelyn Voss discussing the Black Fall, and Stevens as Silas Vane.[7] Reid was also expected to appear before the film's first full trailer, although initial footage of Blackstar would obscure much of his appearance through silhouettes, darkness and close-up shots of his abilities.[7]
The campaign reportedly imposed additional restrictions on promotional material involving Reynolds, Jackman and Gosling because their characters remained undisclosed.[7] At least one of the three was expected to appear during the campaign before June 2028 without their character being identified. Marketing material involving Gosling was reportedly being handled separately from the film's primary promotional assets, although the reason for this was not disclosed.[7]
In October 2027, industry reports stated that Titan Forge was targeting June 2028 for the film's first substantial teaser trailer, approximately four months before its theatrical release.[7] The campaign was reportedly being developed internally under the title "Worldwide Reveal", although Titan Forge had not officially confirmed the trailer's date.[7]
The trailer was expected to run between approximately 90 seconds and two minutes and serve as the first extensive presentation of the film to general audiences.[7] Several trailer companies had reportedly received selected footage and were developing different versions, including cuts centred on Adrian Vale, the film's supernatural horror elements, and the scale of the events in Vesper.[7] Rourke was involved in selecting material for the campaign, although he was not expected to edit the trailer himself.[7]
Reports stated that Titan Forge was restricting the use of several sequences and characters in marketing to avoid revealing major plot developments. Material concerning Mara Vale, Silas Vane's ultimate role and events inside the Void was reportedly among the most heavily restricted.[7] The teaser was expected to establish Adrian, Vesper, the Black Fall and the disappearances without extensively explaining the film's central mystery.[7]
Titan Forge was also reportedly considering expanding the Worldwide Reveal into a coordinated 24-hour promotional event, potentially including simultaneous international trailer releases, out-of-home advertising, cast interviews, theatrical trailer premieres, a new poster and the reveal of the film's primary tagline.[7] Proposals also included projecting the Blackstar symbol onto buildings in major cities, although these plans had not been finalised.[7]
A seven-day countdown campaign was reportedly being developed for the week preceding the trailer, consisting of seven short fictional transmissions from Vesper. The final video was planned to announce the Worldwide Reveal for the following day.[7]
Following the planned June teaser, Titan Forge was reportedly considering a second major trailer later in the northern summer of 2028, followed by television spots closer to release and a final trailer in September.[7]
Release
Blackstar is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on October 6, 2028.[4][2][3]
Although December 2026 reports claimed that Titan Forge was considering moving the film to 2029, the studio denied in January 2027 that a delay was under consideration and reaffirmed the October 6, 2028 date.[5][2] The date was reiterated when principal photography began the following month.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 "BLACKSTAR Cast Officially Announced as Titan Forge Reveals New Story and Production Details". Titan Forge Studios. October 8, 2026.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 "OFFICIAL: BLACKSTAR Adds New Cast Member, Filming Begins February 15 as Titan Forge Debunks Delay and Sequel Reports". Titan Forge Studios. January 12, 2027.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 "BLACKSTAR Officially Begins Filming as Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Gosling Join Cast in Mystery Roles". Titan Forge Studios. February 15, 2027.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 "SDCC 2026: BLACKSTAR Officially Announced for 2028". Titan Forge Studios. July 25, 2026.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 "BLACKSTAR 2 Already in Development? Studio Insiders Claim Titan Forge Is Quietly Planning a Sequel as 2028 Release Date Comes Into Question". Titan Forge Studios. December 4, 2026.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "BLACKSTAR Reportedly Circling Several New Cast Members Ahead of 2027 Production". Titan Forge Studios. August 18, 2026.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 "INSIDER: BLACKSTAR "Worldwide Reveal" Teaser Trailer Reportedly Set for June 2028 After Months of Mysterious Footage". Titan Forge Studios. October 21, 2027.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 "BLACKSTAR Is Coming to Gaming: Titan Forge Confirms Major "Games Marketing Campaign" for 2028 Film". Titan Forge Studios. January 29, 2027.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help)