Dwayne Johnson Despises Superhero Movie ‘Shazam!’ released in 2019 and worn by Zachary Levi. An attitude that could pose a problem in the future of the DC universe in cinema.
If the DC Comics-inspired film Black Adam took nearly a decade to see the light of day in theaters, it’s not just because of Warner’s struggles to create a Marvel-style connected universe, it’s It was also apparently because Dwayne Johnson had some demands he didn’t want to give in on.
According to The Wrap, The Rock himself as well as his producers Dany and Hiram Garcia sought at all costs to make Black Adam a solo film, completely unconnected to his nemesis Shazam, who already had his feature in 2019. A deleted scene was also a nod to the future arrival of Black Adam.
Remember that originally, the cinematic arc of Shazam was planned to be composed of several films: Shazam!, Black Adam and the confrontation between the two. Obviously, Dwayne Johnson rather wishes to develop his own story for his character and has only “disdain” for the first Shazam.
Warner Bros. Dwayne Johnson wants his Black Adam universe
Except that now, the organization of the DC universe has two faces: that of James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) on one side, and that of Peter Safran (Aquaman, The Suicide Squad). However, Safran is a producer on the Shazam films and now has very strong decision-making power, superior to that of Johnson and can therefore impose his vision on him.
In other words, Johnson must now negotiate his vision of Black Adam as a solo character with that of Safran, a great defender of Shazam, who would like the two heroes to cross paths. The Wrap’s insider describes that this discussion will not be “not easy” but that Safran is “very diplomatic”.
Warner Bros.
Zachary Levi in Shazam!
If Black Adam does well in theaters in the 3rd week with 1.37 million admissions at the time of these lines, and overall box office receipts of $256 million reported worldwide. It’s on track to make as much as the first Shazam which finished at 366 million and got a sequel. What give weight in the negotiation to Johnson.
Shazam! The Rage of the Gods will be released in theaters on March 29, still worn by Zachary Levi and directed by David F. Sandberg. Here are the first images: