Emerald Fennell is having a tremendous year. The filmmaker and actress not only starred in the widely critically acclaimed latest season of The Crown, but she also wrote and directed one 2020’s hottest films, Promising Young Woman. Oh, and she’s a former showrunner on Killing Eve. At just 35, she already has one of the most envious careers in Hollywood. And it’s about to get even more impressive.
According to Variety, Fennell will pen DC Films’ upcoming Zatanna movie. The film, from Warner Bros. and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, will focus on the eponymous comics character. Zatanna Zatara is a superhero and magician, and the daughter of Giovanni “John” Zatara. She’s one of the most powerful sorceresses in the DC universe. She’s also known for her involvement in the Justice League, though she’s yet to appear in a live-action DC film. Serinda Swan played the character on the TV series Smallville. No word on casting for this Zatanna yet. (Although we’re sure the fancasts are imminent.)
DC Comics
Fennell’s directorial debut Promising Young Woman is currently enjoying a tidal wave of success. The film was recently nominated for five Oscars, including three for Fennell herself: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. She’s the first British woman to receive a Best Director nomination, and one of only seven women ever nominated in the category. Chloé Zhao, another woman up for Best Director this year, will also helm an upcoming superhero flick. She’s at work on Marvel’s Eternals, slated for release later this year.
No word yet on who will direct the Zatanna film, as Variety only reports that Fennell is writing the script. Hopefully, another woman will step behind the camera, like they did for other female-led DC properties. Patty Jenkins directed Wonder Woman and its sequel Wonder Woman 1984, and Cathy Yan directed the Harley Quinn film Birds of Prey.
Focus Features
Here’s to more female-led and made DC movies in the future! We’re excited to see how the Zatanna film shapes up, and will keep you posted on more information as it becomes available.
