Dwayne Johnson and James Gunn finally addressed the fate of Black Adam and sadly, it’s confirmed the anti-hero won’t be part of DCU’s first slate of storytelling. Though all hope may not be lost as The Rock hinted at his potential return as the menacing Teth-Adam and it all hinges on the multiverse.
After weeks of silence and rumored drama since Henry Cavill’s Superman exit news, The Rock finally offered a statement on the ongoing creative changes with the DCU brand and if there’s a place for his iteration of Teth-Adam in this rebooted universe.
While confirming the character won’t be a part of “their first chapter of storytelling”, Johnson continued to state that his production company, Seven Bucks and DC have “agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.” Readers can find the statement below.
In all fairness, It sounds like Dwayne only has a verbal agreement with DC Studios rather than a signed deal assuring Johnson’s involvement as Teth-Adam in DCU. And after the Superman cameo fiasco which Cavill had reportedly agreed to return on a similar verbal understanding – it’s fair to question the possibility of Johnson’s Black Adam popping up in Gunn’s storytelling. But it should be noted Gunn also teased their potential collaboration though it’s indefinite.
Black Adam⚡️ pic.twitter.com/b7ZbCJZxBw
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 20, 2022
Love @TheRock & I'm always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can't wait to collaborate soon. 🙏 https://t.co/NLwRqBVkd1
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 20, 2022
Hope to see you in the “second chapter” 🙁 pic.twitter.com/ZwhqRuqYGc
— Gary Mal (@Gavrielmal) December 20, 2022
Saying “Black Adam will not be in their FIRST chapter of storytelling” as if he’d be in Phase 2 or something is a more false promise than me telling my mom I’d finish community college online after Barstool hired me https://t.co/etmLz1ez7Y
— Robbie Fox (@RobbieBarstool) December 21, 2022
Say what you will, but this man did keep his word when it was about listening to fans.
It was nice seeing Henry back as Superman, even if it was for a few seconds. As well as seeing the JSA. 🙏 https://t.co/r5Tortvoqc pic.twitter.com/beqPPAiXQg
— Z (@AMagicWriter) December 21, 2022
In other words, Black Adam has been canned along with everything else. If they could cancel The Flash and Aquaman at this point, they absolutely would. Expect Wonder Woman to go next. https://t.co/mpZ64znVir
— The Critical Drinker (@TheCriticalDri2) December 20, 2022
I hope James Gunn’s Black Adam is like this pic.twitter.com/e4CPkOkRyY
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) December 20, 2022
Thanks DJ. You made it and it will always be appreciated. Let’s see what DC brings to the fans in the future. pic.twitter.com/Pj87Lvvoey
— Javi Olivares | La botella de Kandor #IndianaJones (@jolivarestolosa) December 20, 2022
He’s speaking like he’s gently letting us know he’s divorcing our mother about a movie that nobody will remember by Jan 1st https://t.co/W4NRHXNhju
— Brandon Streussnig (@BrndnStrssng) December 20, 2022
So #Superman & #BlackAdam will reveal what they "talked" at the end of 1st #BlackAdam movie in a future crisis event maybe after 8-10 years from now!! https://t.co/6QAJNTWveh pic.twitter.com/1tG97GHZrV
— Amit Chaudhari (@5150Aamrit) December 20, 2022
There goes Black Adam, at least for now. https://t.co/cf2pV8JeDz
— Lady Gravemaster (@LadyGravemaster) December 21, 2022
Given the wide-reporting on DC’s cinematic reboot, news of BLACK ADAM not moving forward is hardly a surprise.
Got to give @TheRock credit though, he fought hard for the fans to get Henry Cavill back for one final moment.
His statement today was pretty gracious as well.
— Sheraz Farooqi (@SherazFarooqi_) December 20, 2022
Henry Cavill and THE ROCK literally just got fired by Gunn but Zachary Levi still thinks he’s safe 💀 I’m going to enjoy this one
— 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖Ʊ𝗥𝗬 (@theeSNYDERVERSE) December 21, 2022
See You Again Soon Teth 🙏⚡ pic.twitter.com/quQ5AzfEca
— Tom (@TomMCJL) December 20, 2022
Thank you for your passion & hard work fighting for so long to give us such great movie with Black Adam and DC & of course letting us see Henry again! You will be missed but super excited to see what’s to come from you in the future! 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/yPoNqH74Gh
— ᴛʜᴇ 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 (@TheD4Nish) December 21, 2022
That’s it folks.
The 15 year journey comes to an end.
Black Adam is DONE. https://t.co/HM5PfO03LW
— Geek Culture Explained (@geekculturexp) December 20, 2022
TL;DR – No Black Adam 2 (and hence no JSA) https://t.co/SqlmjcnBmY
— Bicara Box Office (@bicaraboxoffice) December 20, 2022
Many fans are already skeptical of Black Adam’s return with the leading argument being The Rock, the 50-year-old star might have aged out of the role by the time his character is relevant to be introduced in DCU’s 10-year-plan. Even so, critics and fans have praised Johnson for his gracious message at the end. Speaking of age, Zachary Levi‘s Shazam also attracted similar questions from fans regarding his future, but the 42-year-old star seems confident about securing his return in the post-DCEU rebooted slate.
Oooh, I really wouldn’t go believing everything you see on the internet. I’m Gucci, Ash. We all Gucci. 😎 https://t.co/684SarbP1P
— Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) December 20, 2022
Ageist. 😏 https://t.co/pZjCdQxYAO
— Zachary Levi (@ZacharyLevi) December 20, 2022
With Black Adam in limbo, it seems the same fate lies for the Justice Society (JSA) and any earlier plans to explore a Hawkman spin-off should be considered dead or TBA. On the bright side for DCU fans, WBD’s DC Studios may have an announcement in store in January to unveil their first set of films.
Black Adam is currently available to stream on HBO Max.
