Comic-Con has been the gift that keeps giving this year. But the Black Adam sneak peek shows that gifts can also be curses. Dwayne Johnson was on stage in Hall H in his Black Adam costume to show off his DC Comics epic. Just a few months until it arrives in theatres, we get a new look teaser featuring the antihero, lots of action, and the Justice Society of America.
Who Is Black Adam?
This movie is the first live-action appearance of Black Adam. If you aren’t familiar with the character, Black Adam first appeared in 1945. He appeared in Fawcett Comics‘ Marvel Family #1 as a villain for Captain Marvel (Shazam). He didn’t appear again until 1973! By that time, DC Comics had acquired the Shazam characters. Since then, he has slowly evolved from an outright baddie to a dark anti-hero with a complex backstory.
In the comics, Black Adam was the first human selected by the mysterious Wizard Shazam to become the world’s mightiest mortal. The film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, explores the tragic history that made him the superhero he is.
Check out the trailer that was shown at SDCC below:
Other Superheros Will Make Their Live-Action Screen Debut
Produced by New Line Cinema and DC Films, here is the film’s official synopsis:
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods— and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
New Line Cinema also produced both 2019’s Shazam and its upcoming sequel Shazam Fury of the Gods. While it looks like the films are in a shared universe, it doesn’t look like Zachery Levi or any other members of the Shazam family will show up in the film.
Ahead of the panel in Hall H, Warner Brothers released official images from the film, featuring Johnson alongside some Justice Society of America members.
In the comics, the Justice Society is the oldest superhero team, first appearing in 1941. Over its 80 years of history, versions of almost every DC hero have served as members. Its recent history features older heroes working with new ones, training them. Many of these young heroes have links to the JSA’s original roster.
Black Adam features the big screen debut of several DC characters. The cast includes Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, and Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Fate. It also stars Sarah Shahi (Adrianna), Marwan Kenzari (Ishmael), and Bodhi Sabongui (Amon).
Black Adam rocks into theaters on October 21, 2022.
