Moroccan rapper Lartiste has just been announced as the lead of a new feature film, where he will portray his native country’s first-ever superhero. Dubbed Atoman Wind Rider, the plot revolves around a mystical astrolabe—rumored to hold the power to destroy the world—that’s stolen from the lost city of Atlantis, hidden deep within the Atlas Mountains. According to IMDb’s synopsis, Atoman, played by the 39-year-old rapper, discovers he’s among the last descendants of the Atlanteans and must race to stop an impending cataclysm.
Joined by Moroccan-Portuguese actress Sarah Perles and French-Algerian thespian Samir Naceri, Lartiste will soon make history as Morocco’s first on-screen superhero— a milestone that mirrors just how far the region’s cultural influence is stretching. Far from imitation, Atoman—directed by Anouar Moatassim— aims to send a bold message to the rest of the world: Morocco doesn’t need to borrow myths when it’s rich with its very own. A step in a direction that’s never been explored by the region— or at least not to this scale— the feature will hopefully serve as a long-overdue entry into the genre; one that doesn’t borrow from the Marvel playbook and that instead drowns itself in references that belong and are relevant to this side of the globe.
What’s more, an official soundtrack will be accompanying the title. From what we know, French-Comoran rapper Soprano will be part of the lineup, along with Moroccan-Canadian sensation Benny Adam, and former The Voice contestant Mennel.
While Atoman has been confirmed for a release in Morocco on April 23, there’s no word just yet on whether or not the film will be screened elsewhere in the region— though we’re manifesting it does.
