Foreign Media CNN December 20, 2022
Warner Bros. Pictures
"Black Adam" possesses nearly unlimited power, but it is apparently not enough to ensure a sequel to the film, at least in the short term.
After speculation that DC would not move forward with a second film, star and producer Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took to Twitter on Tuesday to update fans, saying he had met with DC Studios' new leadership team, James Gunn and Peter Safran. While he didn't close the door on Black Adam returning in some form, Johnson said the character isn't in DC's immediate plans. (DC Studios and CNN are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.)
The announcement comes after the DC management team made several decisions that angered some fans, particularly those involving flagship characters Superman and Wonder Woman.
"My enthusiastic friends, I wanted to give you a long-awaited update on Black Adam regarding the character's future in the new DC Universe. James Gunn and I have linked that Black Adam will not appear in the first chapter of their storytelling. However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways in which Black Adam can be utilized in future chapters of the DC Multiverse," Johnson wrote. "James and I have known each other for years and have always supported each other's success."
He continued, "Nothing is different now, I will always support DC (and Marvel ) to win and win big. You guys know me, and I have a thick skin - you can always count on me to speak straight. These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their view of the DCU through a creative lens. vision."
Johnson added that he was "extremely proud" of making the film, which debuted in October.
Frank Massey/Warner Bros. Pictures
"Black Adam," starring Johnson as the titular character, is based on the same comic that spawned "Shazam!" franchise. In the movie, the anti-hero who has been dormant for many years wakes up in modern times and begins to fight against the Justice Society of America with heroes such as Hawkman and Doctor Fate.
Although the film grossed close to $400 million worldwide, there is still some debate over whether this was enough to make the film profitable, given its high budget and marketing costs. That will eventually be the case, Johnson said via Twitter.
The film was met with lukewarm reception from critics, averaging only a 41 out of 100 on the aggregation site Metacritic.
"Black Adam" ends with a post-credits scene that hints at more adventures to come, including Henry Cavill 's cameo as Superman. But it was revealed that Cavill will not be part of the franchise.
Gunn, who directed "Suicide Squad" and its streaming spin-off "Peacemaker," took to Twitter on Monday to address the "outcry" from some fans about the changes in DC Universe's plans.
These fans took issue with the announcement that a new Superman movie was in development without Cavill and that "Wonder Woman 3" had been shelved, with new management rejecting the film's treatment submitted by director Patty Jenkins.
Gunn said DC Universe's choices will be "based on what we feel is best for the story."
CNN has reached out to DC Studios for comment, but Gunn publicly responded to Johnson's post on Twitter, saying that Johnson and his company "can't wait to work together soon."
