Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
If you thoughtDwayne Johnsonwas strong, then you should see his character inBlack Adam!
The 50-year-old actorstars in DC Films' upcoming comic book adaptationabout an enslaved man who is reborn with the magical powers of gods, a movie that Johnson haspreviously describedas a “passion project” when the trailer premiered in June.
As a result, the character has been deemed an anti-hero due to his “ruthless and extremely violent tone” combined with his larger-than-life behavior. Johnson was adamant about doing Black Adam’s origin story justice, which is why helobbied for the characterto get a standalone movie.
In comic lore, Black Adam is the nemesis of Shazam — hence Johnson’s initial commitment to play the anti-hero character in the2019 eponymous moviestarringZachary Levi. Despite signing onto the project around 2014, the plan fell through when he was cast to lead the soloBlack Adamdevelopment project instead.
Johnson admitted toMen’s Journalin January that he’s been working on gettingBlack Adammade for nearly a decade — but in the interim period, the actor worked with the comic-based production company when hevoiced Superman’s doginDC League of Super-Petsthis summer.
Between who’s in the cast and when the film premieres, here’s everything to know about DC’sBlack Adam.
What isBlack Adamabout?
Dwayne Johnson inBlack Adam(2022).Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
The officialBlack Adamsynopsis reads: “Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods — and imprisoned just as quickly — Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.”
Who’s in the cast ofBlack Adam?
In addition to Johnson, the main cast ofBlack AdamincludesPierce Brosnanas Doctor Fate, Sarah Shahi as Adrianna Tomaz (the wife of Black Adam),Noah Centineoas Al Rothstein, Aldis Hodge as Carter Hall (Hawkman), Quintessa Swindell as Maxine Hunkel (Cyclone) and Odelya Halevi as Shiruta.
How does Black Adam differ from other superheroes?
Kevin Winter/Getty
The character Black Adam is different from other superheroes primarily because he’s not necessarily considered one. On SiriusXM’sThe Jess Cagle Showin November, Johnson explained that his character is unlike superheroes like Superman because his code of ethics “blurs the line.”
He notes that Black Adam “rose out of oppression and slavery and is blessed with these powers that rival Superman’s powers.” The main difference? “If you hurt him or, certainly, hurt his people or his family, the Black Adam way is that you die,” added Johnson. “There is no gray; it is black or white.”
Although he isn’t technically considered a superhero, he does possess powers, including unmatched super speed, tremendous physical strength, incredible stamina and unshakable courage.
Meanwhile, he toldMen’s Journal: “I believe this character is going to bring a unique edge to the superhero genre. We’re gonna be turning preconceived notions on their ear.”
How will DC Film’sBlack Adamadaptation differ from the comics?
Furthermore, Centineo’s Atom Smasher character differs in the film adaptation compared to the comics as well. The book version sees Atom as a fully-formed superhero, whereas the movie shows his evolution from a young metahuman to a superhero.
Is there a trailer forBlack Adam?
DC Films released itsfirst-look trailerforBlack Adamin June.
“I kneel before no one,” Johnson as Black Adam says in the trailer, showing off his flying abilities and super-strength. Pierce Brosnan’s Dr. Fate later tells Black Adam, “My vision has shown me the future. You have two choices: You can be the destroyer of this world, or you can be its savior.”
When doesBlack Adampremiere?
Black Adamwill hit theaters on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.
source: people.com
