Darkseid may be menacing the universe sooner than we think: The screenwriter for Ava DuVernay’s DC Comics movie “New Gods” says he’ll begin work on the script the day after Comic-Con 2019 ends.

TheWrap exclusively reported in May that Eisner Award-Winning comic book writer Tom King will write “New Gods”; we caught up with King at “The Gathering,” a black carpet fundraiser for the Comic-Con Museum held Wednesday night, where he told us “I start writing it on Monday.”

Created by comics legend Jack Kirby in 1971, “New Gods” focuses on twin alien planets, the idyllic New Genesis and the hellish Apokolips, ruled by equally powerful but morally opposite leaders — New Genesis by the benevolent Highfather, and Apokolips by the despot Darkseid. The comics have depicted Darkseid’s efforts to destabilize the fragile peace between the worlds as part of his scheme to eliminate free will from the universe. Darkseid is one of the most dangerous villains in the DC Universe and a constant threat to the Justice League.

Also Read: Tom Cruise Surprises Comic-Con With 'Top Gun: Maverick' Trailer (Video)

King currently writes the ongoing “Batman” series for DC Comics, but will be stepping away from the title after the “City of Bane” story arc ends with next year’s issue #85.

Wednesday’s bash also celebrated two SDCC milestones at once: Batman’s induction into the Comic-Con Character Hall of Fame before a crowd of more than 400 fans, celebrities and artists; and San Diego Comic-Con’s 50th anniversary, which kicked off with preview night.

“The Gathering” also gave attendees a sneak preview of “The Batman Experience Powered by AT&T,” a massive activation featuring the largest-ever collection of Batman-related props, costumes and vehicles that will be on display at the Museum throughout San Diego Comic Con.

TheWrap is in San Diego all week long for Comic-Con 2019 — check out all of our ongoing coverage here.