The fans may not get to see Shazam in the upcoming Black Adam movie, but they’ll have an even bigger piece of the DC Universe to look forward to, now that the film’s star has confirmed rumors that the Justice Society of America plays a role in his story.
The information comes straight from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, finally able to discuss the film’s production after more than a decade in the role. The original plan was to introduce his anti-hero in Shazam! as the magical hero’s longtime rival and arch-nemesis, but the plan was eventually changed, giving Black Adam his own origin movie for a star like Johnson, and tentative plans to have the him and Billy Batson face off in a future crossover movie. But even without Shazam on board, Black Adam won’t be short on DC Comics superheroes.
The confirmation comes after months of rumors, suggesting Black Adam would include JSA heroes like Hawkman and Stargirl, and Johnson himself teasing more DC cameos in Black Adam long before. While speaking with Screen Rant during press for the upcoming Jumanji: The Next Level, Johnson confirmed that a fight with Shazam star Zachary Levi won’t happen – but did reveal the superhero team that his film will introduce to the DCEU:
Screen Rant: Do you think we’ll see Black Adam fight Shazam in that film, or is that later on down the line?
JSA was my jam growing up.
Dwayne Johnson: Without giving too much away, it’s not in the plans right now. I think the approach that we’re talking I feel really good about, and all of the filmmakers do too as well. It’s an origin story and that’s where we start it and we root it, and then we build out from there. Now, not to say Shazam isn’t on my radar. Of course Shazam is, but so is all of DC.
For now it’s unclear how the comic origins of Black Adam will change to make a JSA-era introduction the simplest. With all evidence pointing the tone of the film and its director Jaume Collet-Serra’s style leaning towards adventure, and away from an intensely dark, serious, or violent one, an ancient origin completely true to Adam’s may not work. While those ancient origins seemed to be confirmed in the Shazam! movie’s history lesson, variations of his comic book story have seen Adam reincarnate in the body of a modern descendant. Either way, it seems that these heroes will only be the tip of the iceberg for what Black Adam will be adding to the future of DC’s movies. Assuming JSA is bound for another movie appearance.
Dwayne Johnson: JSA. We will introduce you to that, the world to JSA.
MORE: Shazam 2 Can Make Black Adam A Hero, Not A Villain
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