Black Adam
Ever since Warner Bros. announced Dwayne Johnson would be lacing up his boots to play Black Adam, we’ve been freaking out at the thought of the People’s Champion becoming the People’s Bad Guy. Who wouldn’t want to see a film where his powerful character clashes with Captain Marvel, AKA Shazam, especially if Billy Batson’s alter ego is portrayed by the Alan “Thad Castle” Ritchson (which we’re hoping happens with every beat of our hearts)? However, things took a strange turn as they often do. Shazam was officially announced last month, but we quickly found out that Johnson wouldn’t be a part of it.
It seems counterproductive to make a movie about Shazam without his biggest antagonist in it. We also need to ask the question here, is Black Adam mainstream enough to merit his own film? He isn’t at the same level of infamy as Lex Luthor or the Joker, so the answer is a big, fat no. Sure, you have Johnson’s star power to draw on, but will it be enough? Remember, Halle Berry was also a huge Hollywood darling when Catwoman came calling and look how that played out.
Instead of creating separate films for these characters, the studio should focus on making the best type of project that accommodates both of them. Having Shazam without Black Adam, or vice versa, does more harm than good.