Rick Famuyiwa to write and direct adaptation of Charles Burns’ Black Hole

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Rick Famuyiwa (DOPE) didn't wind up spending all that much time on Warner Bros.' THE FLASH before he left due to creative differences, but that doesn't mean that he's done with the world of comic-books as THR reports that Famuyiwa is set to write and direct an adaptation of Charles Burns' "Black Hole."

The comic series takes place in the Pacific Northwest during the 1970s and follows a group of teenagers who contract a mysterious sexually transmitted disease referred to as "the Bug" which causes them to develop bizarre physical mutations and subsequently become social outcasts, which leads to many of them running away from home to live in the nearby woodland. Charles Burns wrote and illustrated all twelve issues of the series over a decade, during which it received many prestigious awards, including a Harvey Award, an Ignatz Award, and an Eisner Award. There have also been numorous attempts to adapt "Black Hole" over the years, with directors like Alexandre Aja (THE HILLS HAVE EYES) and David Fincher (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO) set to direct the project at different stages. It remains to be seen whether Rick Famuyiwa will be able to get BLACK HOLE off the ground, but it would be fantastic to see Burns' saga up on the big-screen.

As with BLACK HOLE, Rick Famuyiwa wasn't the first director on THE FLASH either. Now known as FLASHPOINT, the project was originally set to be written and directed by Seth Grahame-Smith, before he dropped out due to "creative differences" and was replaced by Famuyiwa, who departed the film himself months later. In a statement, Famuyiwa said:

When I was approached by Warner Bros and DC about the possibility of directing The Flash, I was excited about the opportunity to enter this amazing world of characters that I loved growing up, and still do to this day. I was also excited to work with Ezra Miller, who is a phenomenal young actor. I pitched a version of the film in line with my voice, humor, and heart. While it’s disappointing that we couldn’t come together creatively on the project, I remain grateful for the opportunity. I will continue to look for opportunities to tell stories that speak to a fresh generational, topical, and multicultural point of view. I wish Warner Brothers, DC, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Ezra Miller all the best as they continue their journey into the speed force.

After considering a number of directors, Warner Bros. recently entered talks with John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (GAME NIGHT) to take over FLASHPOINT.