The DC Extended Universe from Warner Bros. has been put through its paces. Failed films, poor creative judgments (both in front of and behind the camera), and a general disrespect for the source material have all contributed to the DCEU's demise. What began as a promising counter-programming to the Marvel model is now attempting to rebuild itself.
The Rock, now a bona fide movie star, has long been coveted by both Warner Bros. and Disney to join their respective pools of superheroes. Johnson declared two years ago that the "hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is going to alter," followed by the revelation that he had been cast as Black Adam. Since then, he's used it at DC FanDome, trailer reveals, and in normal tweets. But what exactly does this mean?
Who precisely is Black Adam, and is he as powerful as Johnson claims? Black Adam is one of the most powerful metahumans, having been bestowed the superhuman powers of ancient Egyptian gods. More usually an antagonist to Shazam, he has been billed (at times) as an antihero teetering on the brink of villainy but never entirely crossing over. His use of magic and overall ideology make him a formidable opponent, but claiming that he is stronger than Superman and Wonder Woman together is a bit of a stretch. When considering the superhero hierarchy, it's important to remember the other characters who will appear in Black Adam.
The introduction of the JSA is an intriguing plot element in the DCEU's overarching design. Fans were not expecting this, and while the introduction of new heroes is good, Warner Bros.' direction seems a little dubious. Will these superheroes form the next Justice League? Given Henry Cavil's uncertain status in the DC Universe, could this be how things play out? If Superman isn't going to be a prominent presence in the DCEU's new narrative, then bringing in Black Adam would undoubtedly upset the power structure.
With so many strong characters being introduced for the first time on-screen in Black Adam, and Warner Bros. electing to elevate Supergirl and Batgirl in The Flash and Batgirl films, there is a case to be made that the entire power structure will shift in the future.
Johnson's statement confirms that his version of Black Adam is here to stay. There's no way Warner Bros. granted him so much creative freedom for a single (or trilogy) film. There appears to be a larger scheme at work here, and it is unlike anything seen in the DC Universe thus far.
