Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joins the DC cinematic universe as Black Adam, playing the complex comic book character. The film is unquestionably one of the most anticipated new releases of 2022.
Dwayne Johnson, the film’s lead actor, revealed to Men’s Journal(opens in new tab) how intense his training was for the latest DC film, which tells the story of a lesser-known comic book character.
He stated: “The training for this film was the most difficult I’ve ever done in my life. I can assure you that the power structure in the DC universe is about to shift.”
When Will “Black Adam” Be Released?
On October 21, Black Adam will be released in theatres. It was moved as part of a significant Warner Bros. reorganization of DC superhero movies from its original July 29 release date. We will have to wait for a little, but we’re confident it will be worthwhile!
What is the “Black Adam” Plot?
“Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.”
Further to this, and a potential spoiler for those unfamiliar with Black Adam’s comic origins. So, if you don’t want to be spoiled, skip to the next section.
Again, minor plot spoilers ahead…
What the synopsis fails to mention is that the “ancient gods” from whom Black Adam draws his powers are the Greek Pantheon, the same gods from whom Shazam draws his powers. In the DC Comics universe, Teth-Adam was the first champion of the ancient wizard Shazam. When he allowed his powers to corrupt his ideals and desires, Shazam dubbed him “Black Adam” and exiled him.
While there has been no confirmation (naturally, as it would be a wonderful surprise for fans when they see the movie for the first time), either Djimon Honsu’s Wizard, Shazam or Zachary Levi’s, Shazam, will appear in the film.
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I’d be surprised if we didn’t see the Wizard and/or have Adam discover Billy’s exploits as Shazam by the end of the film, tying this film to the upcoming “Shazam” sequel, “Shazam: Fury of the Gods.”
“Black Adam” Cast
- Dwayne Johnson plays Teth-Adam/Black Adam
- Pierce Brosnan plays Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate
- Viola Davis returns to the DCCU playing Amanda Waller
- Aldis Hodge plays Carter Hall/Hawkman
- Noah Centineo plays Al Rothstein/Atom Smasher
- Quintessa Swindell plays Maxine Hunkell/Cyclone
- Sarah Shahi plays Adrianna Tomaz\
Is There a Trailer Available?
Yes, a full trailer for Black Adam is now available, and it features The Rock! It depicts the titular character’s death and rebirth, and it follows him 5,000 years after he obtained his powers and escaped from his imprisonment.
Take a look at the video below…
At the San Diego Comic-Con, there was also a sneak peek of the film. In it, Black Adam is given the option of destroying the world or becoming its savior.
Black Adam Will Be Portrayed as an Antihero Rather Than a Villain
Black Adam has progressed from one of DC Comics’ supervillains to one of its most powerful antiheroes over the years, and the film version of the character will fall into the latter category rather than the former when it hits theatres on October 21.
Don’t worry, the DC Universe’s hierarchy will shift (at least in terms of powerful characters) with the introduction of Dwayne Johnson’s muscle-bound character, but he won’t be all that evil in his motivations and actions. And, with Johnson playing Black Adam, the antihero path appears to be the best one to take.
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Although Black Adam will not be a villain this time around, he will not be a “goody two shoes,” as producer Hiram Garcia told in a July 2018 interview.
Are There Any Black Adam Sequels?
Even though no sequels have yet been officially confirmed, DC has big plans for Black Adam in the DCEU. Johnson revealed there were plans for Adam and Shazam to square off in a future movie in 2017.
So, he continued, “we decided to make a scenario where Black Adam has his stand-alone movie, and Captain Marvel, Shazam, has his stand-alone movie. We are creating our world in this manner so that we can eventually unite.
Henry Cavill, who plays Superman, had previously hinted at a potential crossover between Black Adam and the Man of Steel in the DC Extended Universe. “There is some kind of work towards that,” were his exact words.
Now granted, things do change, so a Black Adam v. Superman: Dawn of Capes movie might not happen. Even though it hasn’t been officially announced, the character will undoubtedly have a future in the DCEU.
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In recent months, Black Adam has made a comeback in the comics and even joined the Justice League as a key player. Therefore, it appears that DC is encouraging the character to play a significant role in the years to come. Of course, the success of the film, once it opens, will determine whether or not Black Adam receives a sequel.