The hierarchy of power in the DC Universe has certainly changed, although it doesn’t seem to be as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson intended when he made such promises leading up to the release of Black Adam. The wrestler turned actor released his DC Comics movie earlier this year that was 15 years in the making, introducing the titular Black Adam character along with Justice Society of America names like Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone. Johnson also successfully pushed to get Henry Cavill back as Superman for the film, leading to a cameo in the opening credits scene of Black Adam. Soon after, Cavill would post a formal announcement of his return on social media. Since the movie’s release, a lot (if not all) of some Black Adam that had to do with the DC Universe movies has been wiped out and Johnson is now issuing a statement about the changes.
It all started back in October when it was revealed that Cavill is back in the DC movie franchise for the first time since 2017. Justice League which got a decent re-release in the form of Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021. Johnson hailed the return as a “Welcome Home”, for the most iconic character in comics returning to the big screen. He also shared a desire for a long-term story that wouldn’t directly lead to his Black Adam character battling Cavill’s Superman in the next movie. Then Warner Brothers Discovery hired new leaders for the DC Universe and launched their DC Studios brand. The suicide squad director James Gunn and The suicide squad, Aquariusand Shazam! producer Peter Safran now serve as co-CEOs of DC Studios. With their new vision for the DC Universe, Henry Cavill would be the first major role revealed to be recast.
All of this leads to Johnson’s statement on Tuesday, which reads in part: “My passionate friends, I wanted to give you a long overdue Black Adam update on the character’s future in the new DC Universe. James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not appear in their first story chapter. However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam could be used in future DC multiverse chapters. James and I have known each other for years and have always rooting for each other to succeed. It’s no different now, and I will always advocate for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG. You know me, and I have very thick skin – and you can always Count on me to be direct with my words.”
Black Adam pic.twitter.com/b7ZbCJZxBw
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 20, 2022
What do you think about the future of the DC Universe? Share your thoughts in the comment section or send them my way Twitter. Black Adam currently playing in theaters and on HBO Max.
