The Rock Dropped a Sneak Peak of BLACK ADAM Movie at SDCC

For years now, rumblings have connected Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the DC Comics character Black Adam. It seemed as though the superhero-sized actor was unofficially saving his genre debut for a project featuring the character. At first, it looked as though he might bring the hyper-powered antihero to life in Shazam! While the 2019 movie didn’t end up including the character, reports leading up to the film proclaimed that Black Adam would star in a spinoff. So here’s everything we know about the Black Adam movie coming down the pike!

Title

The title of the movie is just Black Adam.

What Is Black Adam‘s Plot?

The film will function as a spin-off and sequel to Shazam! centered on the DC Comics villain/antihero Black Adam. Though the 2019 film set the pieces in play for a Black Adam movie, plot details at present are pretty vague. The synopsis says:

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods – and imprisoned just as quickly – Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

At DC FanDome, fans glimpsed a special behind-the-scenes look at the film. Johnson offered fans a peek at the movie’s opening scene. This scene revealed his tomb being uncovered and saw the hero joining the modern world. You can watch right here:

On June 8, 2022, we got our first look at the film via a trailer.

Who Will Star in Black Adam?

Alongside the Rock, the movie will feature the likes of Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, a.k.a. Albert Rothstein; Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate; Aldis Hodge as Hawkman; and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone. Sarah Shahi, who plays Adrianna Tomaz, also joins the cast. Tomaz becomes Black Adam’s love interest in the comics. She also is the embodiment of the goddess Isis, and a hero in her own right.

You can see glimpses of these characters below:

Black Adam in a hood against a blue and yellow sky
Warner Bros.
Pierce Brosnan holds Dr. Fate's helmet in Black Adam
Warner Bros.
Doctor Fate raises his arm in Black Adam
Warner Bros.
Hawkman spreads his wings in Black Adam
Warner Bros.

Additional actors, including Marwan Kenzari, have been cast in yet undisclosed roles.

In a sizzle reel shown to the crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 revealed Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller will appear in the movie.

Electricity bursts from Black Adam's lightning emblem.
Warner Bros.

At Comic-Con 2022, Noah Centineo said this about Atom Smasher:

“You know, he comes from a pedigree of heroism and little villainy and it’s a complicated past. He really wants to prove himself. He’s a young kid who wants to find his way in life.”

Who Is Behind the Camera for Black Adam?

Director Jaume Collet-Serra—best known for horror projects like House of Wax and Orphan, as well as Liam Neeson action vehicles—will helm the project. Drafts of the script hail from the likes of Adam Sztykiel (Rampage and Scoob) and The Mauritanian screenwriters Sohrab Noshirvani and Rory Haines.

When Will Black Adam Release?

Black Adam will arrive on October 21, 2022. Dwayne Johnson announced the move in early March on Instagram.

Originally published March 29, 2021.

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