Robert Kirkman and Lee Daniels to team on superhero movie Stealth

As Hollywood's hunt for more superheroes continues, it's been reported that Universal Pictures has partnered with Skybound Entertainment for a movie adaptation of Stealth, which tells of an unconventional Detroit-based superhero whose thirst for justice remains as unquenchable as a villain's desire for world domination. The first issue of Stealth will arrive on shelves courtesy of the Skybound/Image imprint on March 11, 2020, with a story by Mike Costa, art by Nate Bellegarde, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, with a cover by Jason Howard.

Created by The Walking Dead co-creator and exec producer Robert Kirkman, and Marc Silvestri, the Stealth motion picture will be directed by Lee Daniels (PRECIOUS, THE BUTLER) with IRON MAN writers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby in line to pen the screenplay. In addition to serving as director, Daniels will also produce alongside his partner Pam Williams. Meanwhile, Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst and Sean Furst will produce on behalf of Skybound.

Deadline broke the news about STEALTH Wednesday afternoon, and in their report included a brief synopsis of the concept:

For decades, Stealth has waged war on crime in Detroit, but now he’s taken his pursuit of justice too far. Only reporter Tony Barber knows that behind Stealth’s reckless behavior is an older man battling Alzheimer’s—his father. A father unwilling to accept that he’s no longer the hero this city needs… with enemies all too eager to force his retirement.

I'll say this about the concept for Stealth, it certainly is different. Obviously I've yet to read the comic, but the idea of an aging superhero who's afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease definitely has my attention. As you're likley to be aware, Alzheimer’s is a powerfully debilitating illness, which, if used creatively and with care, could lead to some truly emotional moments amidst the action that's bound to come. I'll be eagerly awaiting this project while hoping for the best. How about you? Does the premise for STEALTH strike you as refreshing, or are you content to simply wait for the next Marvel or DC affair? Let us know in the comments section below.