Dwayne Johnson: ‘Black Adam 2’ Not Moving Forward In New DCU At This Time
Dwayne Johnson is giving fans the “long-awaited” update about the future of “Black Adam” in the new DC Universe.
On Tuesday, the 50-year-old celebrity took to Twitter to release a statement regarding the matter. He revealed that he and James Gunn, the co-CEO and co-chairman of DC Studios, “connected,” and shared where they are in terms of the character’s future.
Johnson said, “James Gunn and I connected, and ‘Black Adam’ will not be in their first chapter of storytelling.”
The actor continued that he and the filmmaker “have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed.” He noted that things are not different today, adding that he “will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG.”
Dwayne Johnson also noted in the same statement that “these decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lens.”
Entertainment Tonight, in its report covering the statement, recalled that James Gunn and Peter Safran were named co-CEOs and co-chairmen of DC Studios back in October. It came after the premiere of “Black Adam,” where Johnson starred as the titular superpowered anti-hero.
The publication said that since taking the posts, the two filmmakers have continued to work on overhauling the future of films in the DC Universe. It added that several projects, including the third installment to the “Wonder Woman” film series and Henry Cavill’s return to his role as Superman, have been scrapped entirely.
Nearly a week prior to Dwayne Johnson’s statement, the “Man of Steel” star released his own announcement regarding his future in the new DC Universe.
On Instagram, Cavill revealed that he “will, after all, not be returning as Superman.” He deemed the news “sad” and not the easiest, but he said in the same post that “that’s life.”
The Superman actor also noted that he “respects” the changes, adding that James Gunn and Peter Safran “have a universe to build.” So, he wishes “them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s announcement, Dwayne Johnson said that “after 15 years of relentless hard work” to bring "Black Adam" to the big screens, he feels “very proud” of the material they “delivered for fans worldwide.” He also stated that he “will always look back on the fan reaction” toward the film “with tremendous gratitude, humility and love.”
Despite the uncertainties that “Black Adam” faces in the new DC universe, though, the “Red Notice” actor told fans and followers via the statement that “DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways” the material “can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.”