Right now, DC fans can see Hourman fighting alongside Courtney Whitmore on The CW’s Stargirl series. But it looks like Warner Bros. and DC Films have bigger plans for the character that stretch beyond the TV realm. Deadline brings word that the studios are developing an Hourman solo feature for the big screen. They’ve also recruited Gavin James and Neil Widener to pen the screenplay.
Hourman originally appeared as the alter-ego of Rex Tyler in the pages of Adventure Comics #48 in 1940. He was introduced as a scientist who discovered a mysterious drug called Miraclo that gave him enhanced strength and endurance for one hour, hence his codename. Rex soon became a founding member of the Justice Society of America. Decades later, his son, Rick, adopted his mantle during DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths event in the mid-’80s.
This isn’t the first time that DC has tried giving Hourman his own headlining vehicle. Way back in 2013, The CW announced plans to develop an Hourman TV series set in the Arrowverse. When this didn’t pan out, the producers behind Legends of Tomorrow cast Patrick J. Adams to play Rex in two episodes of that series in 2016. Lou Ferrigno Jr. and Cameron Gellman are currently bringing both generations of Hourman to life on Stargirl as Rex and Rick, respectively. But at this time, it’s not clear which version of the character will be at the center of WB’s upcoming film.
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James and Widener are regular collaborators who currently have several high-profile writing gigs on their plate. Most recently, Warner Bros. hired them to write a film based on Mattel’s Hot Wheels toy line last fall. The pair have also been linked to Now You See Me 3, San Andreas 2, and an adaptation of Michael Crichton’s Micro. Additionally, Hourman marks their latest collaboration with Chernin Entertainment, which is joining WB and DC as producers on the film.
What do you make of WB’s plans for an Hourman standalone movie? Let us know in the comment section below!
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