After years of development and delays, DC's Black Adam is finally in production. On April 10 2021, star Dwayne Johnson posted on Instagram announcing that it was day one of filming on Black Adam. Black Adam has been in the works for over a decade. The movie faced scores of delays, between upheaval to the DCEU, to disagreements in regards to the direction of the character, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead actor and producer Dwayne Johnson kept up the enthusiasm, however, and the film has not only begun filming, but has been given an official release date of July 29, 2022.
This film will be Black Adam's first official introduction to the DC cinematic universe. The character was briefly referenced in 2019's Shazam!, but not by name, and it would be easy for fans who are not familiar with the comics to miss it. While plot details for Black Adam's stand-alone movie have been kept firmly under wraps, here is a rundown of what information is available on Black Adam so far.
Who Is Black Adam?
Black Adam has a long history in DC comics. He began as a major antagonist to DC's Captain Marvel--who is going by Shazam in the DCEU. Originally, the wizard Shazam granted him powers derived from ancient Egyptian deities, and Adam served as Egypt's champion for centuries before being corrupted and later stripped of his powers. The story then picks up in modern times, where an unscrupulous archaeologist discovers the tomb and soon learns he is a reincarnation of the original Adam. He acquires his powers and battles with Captain Marvel. Later on, this incarnation of the character would attempt to reform, although always remains somewhat of an anti-hero.
Adam's origin story shifted over the years, and in his most recent comic incarnation, he, known as Teth-Adam, was a slave from Kahndaq who escaped captivity and received power from the wizard Shazam. He sought vengeance against those who enslaved him, believing himself to be the right person to free the world from enslavement. He goes on a crusade of justice and is willing make major sacrifices for what he sees as the greater good. More of an anti-hero, his powers include super strength and speed, flight, invulnerability, immortality, teleportation, and magic. A teaser released in August 2020 suggests that Black Adam will be taking inspiration from this origin story.
Who Is The Cast of DC's Black Adam?
Many cast members for Black Adam have been announced in the last several months. Dwayne Johnson, known for his work in both action and comedy films, will be playing the titular character. One Night in Miami's Aldis Hodge will be playing Carter Hall, also known as the superhero Hawkman. Young actor Noah Centineo has been cast as the hero Atom Smasher, and actress Quintessa Swindell will be playing Cyclone. James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has been cast as the hero known as Doctor Fate.
Several other actors have been cast in unknown roles. Sarah Shahi from Person of Interest is rumored to be playing Adrianna Tomaz, who becomes Black Adam's wife, and Aladdin's Marwen Kenzani is rumored to be playing a villain. Actor James Cusati-Moyer has been cast in an unknown role, as has child actor Bodhi Sabongui. The latter could be playing the nephew of Teth-Adam if the film follows the most recent origin story of the character.
What Is Known Of The Plot?
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Many details of Black Adam's plot have been kept heavily under wraps, but it has been confirmed that the film will be introducing movie audiences to the Justice Society of America. Also known as the JSA, the Justice Society of America is a superhero team in the DC universe, separate from the Justice League. In most continuities, the JSA is one of the earliest superhero teams, and it seeks to maintain and uphold the legacy of superheroes and their fight for justice. In Black Adam, Hawkman, Atom Smasher, Cyclone, and Doctor Fate are all members of the Justice Society of America.
At the DC FanDome event in August 2020, a teaser trailer of concept art was released for Black Adam. Dwayne Johnson's narration provides a sense of the film's plot set up; "5000 years ago, Kahndaq was a melting plot of cultures, wealth, power, and magic, yet most of us had nothing except for the chains around our necks. Kahndaq needed a hero. Instead, they got me. I did what needed to be done, and they imprisoned me for it. Now, 5000 years later, I'm free, and I give you my word, no one will ever stop me again." The teaser gives no hints as to how the Justice Society of America gets involved. There also has been no confirmation as to whether Shazam will make an appearance, or if Black Adam will appear in Shazam! 2.
What Else?
Black Adam has begun filming in Atlanta, Georgia, and will likely be an extensive shoot. It is being directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for films such as Orphan and House of Wax. Lawrence Sher, who was recently nominated for his work on 2019's Joker, will be the cinematographer. The script was written by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani. Dwayne Johnson serves as one of the producers and has had a lot of input in the project from the beginning.
Black Adam will be released in theatres July 29 2022.