Despite the success of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, there hasn’t been a new DC film in nearly a year—the longest gap between films for the franchise since Aquaman followed Justice League back in 2018. But fans of the DC extended universe (luckily) won’t have to wait too much longer for their next taste of caped crusaders. The franchise’s latest entry, Black Adam, already has an official trailer, and now boasts a shiny new release date.
Believe it or not, Black Adam has been in development (at least partially) as far back as 2014, when Dwayne Johnson was in consideration for a number of other key DC roles, including Shazam (which eventually went to Zachary Levi) and interstellar mercenary Lobo. Eventually, of course, he ended up being cast as Black Adam—one of Shazam’s most fearsome adversaries—and while he was initially intended to make his big-screen debut across from the similarly-suited hero in 2017’s Shazam!, that film’s baddie ended up being Doctor Sivana (Mark Strong), with Black Adam deigned important enough to warrant his own solo film, giving the studio time to more fully develop his character and backstory.
While the creative decision meant the character’s introduction was postponed for five years, the wait is (nearly) over: Black Adam has an official release date of October 21, 2022. That’s right, after years of postponement, Black Adam’s solo film is just a few short months away.
Who else will be in the film?
In addition to Dwayne Johnson as the titular Black Adam (a troubled anti-hero and frequent enemy of the Shazam family), the film will also feature the DC extended universe introduction of the Justice Society of America (JSA)—not to be confused with the Justice League, of course. Though the JSA’s ranks in the comics are seemingly endless, the team’s lineup in Black Adam will feature Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), and Isis (Sarah Shahi). The Old Guard‘s Marwan Kenzari will also star, though his role is still shrouded in mystery.
With a trailer in the rearview mirror and a release date on the horizon, Black Adam is gearing up to make waves at the box office—especially with a star as major as Dwayne Johnson joining an already bankable franchise. But for fans speculating that Black Adam may finally cross paths with Shazam in the upcoming sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods, that isn’t the case—DC has confirmed that the two archenemies won’t go toe to toe until the untitled Shazam! 3.
Still, with an all-star cast, a megawatt star, and the live-action film debut of a number of classic heroes like Hawkman and Doctor Fate, Black Adam is sure to satisfy eager DC fans, even if the film won’t feature as many big-name heroes as previous DC flicks.
(featured image: Warner Bros.)
