The long-gestating Black Adam feature film will be set in the modern-day DC Extended Universe, 5000 years after the wrongful imprisonment of its titular antihero. Announced back in 2017, Black Adam is a joint venture between Warner Bros and New Line Cinema. The movie's eponymous central character is played by Hollywood's highest-paid actor Dwayne Johnson. Johnson has been attached to play Black Adam since 2008 when the star was first tipped to appear in David F. Sandberg's Shazam! But given his pedigreed stature, Johnson was deemed too qualified to play just a villain in an expensive tentpole; hence DC Films decided to spin-off his character into a new film. Johnson will likely still appear in a Shazam! sequel, although his primary superhero stint will be in Jaume Collet-Serra's upcoming movie.
Originally appearing as an archnemesis to the superhero Shazam in Fawcett's publications, Black Adam was redefined in the DC Comics in the 21st century by writers Jerry Ordway, Geoff Johns, and David S. Goyer as a corrupted Ancient-Egyptian anti-hero who sought to clear his name and reputation. Black Adam rose to popularity in the DC Universe following his notable appearances in the comic book series Justice Society of America (JSA), Villains United, and Infinite Crisis. The Kahndaq warrior also starred in numerous animated DC presentations like Young Justice and Justice League Action, and now he has finally landed himself a solo film that is scheduled to release in December 2021.
DC FanDome's Black Adam panel offered a new artistic glimpse at Johnson's upcoming superhero flick. In the new concept trailer for Black Adam, a voiceover narrated the origins of Johnson's character while revealing his resurgence in a contemporary DCEU timeline. Kahndaq, the land from where Black Adam hails, was tyrannized by magic and supernatural powers 5,000 years ago. There, people thrived mostly in captivity and yearned for a savior to rescue them. But when Black Adam attempted to change things around, he was overwhelmed by his own powers leading to the decimation of Kahndaq. Adam was subsequently imprisoned, and his powers were ceased by the same wizard who had granted them. But now, 5000 years later, Black Adam has finally set himself free, and there is nothing that can stop him from pursuing his ambitions.
It was also revealed in the same FanDome panel that Black Adam won't return alone for his big-screen debut. Tagging along with Adam is the Justice Society of America, a group of superhero underdogs which believes in fighting for justice and truth. The JSA is composed of four members- Hawkman, Cyclone, Doctor Fate, and Atom Smasher. Johnson also makes references to Shazam and the members of the Justice League further reiterating that his story takes place in the modern-day DCEU.
Now, provided that Black Adam's story will be embedded into the modern-day DCEU timeline, a shakeup in the hierarchy of power is only inevitable. Dwayne Johnson has already teased potential conflicts with Shazam, the Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman, and he has also alluded to his character's unrestrained and explosive display of powers. It appears that WarnerBros is using Black Adam to establish Johnson as a central and reappearing antihero in its superhero franchise. After all, given Johnson's repute, it only seems fitting for the actor to have a prominent role in the DC Universe.
Source: DC FanDome
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