As speculated, Dwayne Johnson is done with the Black Adam role, as The Rock confirms his exit, with the co-head of the DCU also commenting on Twitter.
“Love @TheRock & I’m always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can’t wait to collaborate soon,” tweeted James Gunn.
Johnson released a lengthy note to fans with the update (read below) where Johnson says in part that “Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters,” so that obviously means Gunn is going in a completely new direction, which is also proven by Gunn developing and writing a new Superman movie without Henry Cavill using a younger actor as the Man of Steel.
Interestingly enough, Dwayne Johnson also name-drops Marvel in the message, so perhaps The Rock can find a future in the MCU, as previously it has been rumored that both Johnson and Henry Cavill had been in talks with Marvel.
This is also the first time that James Gunn and Dwayne Johnson have acknowledged one another on social media following the release of Black Adam and the appointment of Gunn and Peter Safran as the heads of DC Studios.
It has been said Gunn and Johnson have been butting heads over the direction of the DCU, with their ideas actually similar but just a bit different.
Black Adam opened last month but its box office has been a disappointment and will barely crack $400 million.
The HBO Max numbers are also in where the flick can be looked at as a disappointment but the numbers seem decent for the younger audience at least.
Worth a mention is that while Gunn and The Rock make it sound as if they will work together soon, that is just industry spin to keep the fans at bay as Gunn said the same about Henry Cavill and Superman, said he is talking with Ben Affleck to direct DC movies, and said more of the same about Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, so it definitely appears as if Gunn is getting rid of all the Zack Justice League actors.
It’s guessed Gunn is going to replace all the Justice League actors and move Jason Momoa to Lobo and possibly keep Zachary Levi around as Shazam (Levi has shot down rumors he is no longer playing the role), Xolo Maridueña may stick around as Blue Beetle, with Gunn also keeping his Suicide Squad and Peacemaker cast (John Cena seems to have confirmed he is still Peacemaker).
James Gunn did recently respond to a lot of the criticism and rumors where he said in part: “Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”
Johnson also made additional comments on Instagram.
Love @TheRock & I’m always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can’t wait to collaborate soon. 🙏 https://t.co/NLwRqBVkd1
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 20, 2022
Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam message:
My passionate friends,
I wanted to give you a long-waited Black Adam update regarding the character’s future in the new DC Universe.
James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling. However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.
James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed. It’s no different now, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG.
You guys know me, and I have very thick skin – and you can always count on me to be direct with my words.
These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lens.
After 15 years of relentless hard work to finally make Black Adam, I’m very proud of the film we delivered for fans worldwide. I will always look back on the fan reaction to Black Adam with tremendous gratitude, humility and love.
We did great.
To my very passionate and vocal Black Adam/Super Hero genre fans – I love you, THANK YOU, and I will ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOU and do my best to deliver and entertain you.
What a helluva month – now we all need some Teremana!
Have a productive week and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your families!
DJ
