On the occasion of the cinema release of Black Adam and the broadcast of Shazam on TMC, we take stock of the next DC films that will land in dark rooms.
Released on October 19 in France, Black Adam attracted more than 93,000 Dwayne Johnson fans, enthusiastic about the idea of discovering this new DC-stamped superhero. In the US, the film collected 67 million dollars for its first weekend, almost as well as Aquaman (67.9 million), which ended its career by exceeding one billion internationally.
On the occasion of the release of Black Adam, TMC took the opportunity to broadcast Shazam, released in theaters in April 2019. This work had started a new era on the DC side; moreover, the studio took a new turn at the end of 2022 under the leadership of Dwayne Johnson.
“I can help. I love DC. It’s in my blood”underlined The Rock at the microphone of Variety. “The idea is to evolve in the right direction and grow the DC Universe. I’m here to help in every way, and that includes finding the right leader, or leaders. “, he specified, evoking a possible role of adviser for the future super-heroic projects. It is therefore time to take stock of the firm’s next feature films.
On March 29, 2023, Shazam: Rage of the Gods hits theaters. According to the trailer unveiled at Comic Con last July, the superhero dressed in red will go through a complicated period.
We will find Billy Batson there, a few years after the events depicted in Shazam. The hero continues to fight crime with his family, while undergoing therapy, not considering himself as charismatic as Batman, Aquaman or Flash.
However, Shazam will very quickly have to remobilize to face a new threat: Hespera! It is Helen Mirren who lends her features to the great villain of this second part, who is none other than the daughter of the God Atlas.
Director David F. Sandberg decided to create this all-new antagonist from scratch. Indeed, Hespera does not exist in the comics, unlike Atlas. In Greek mythology, Atlas is a Titan condemned by Zeus to carry the celestial vault for eternity. Note that Shazam will also have to fight the Nymph Kalypso, played by Lucy Liu.
The Gods of Olympus will therefore come to join in the battle that awaits Billy and his friends. Building on the great success of the first opus (366 million dollars in revenue worldwide for a budget of 100), director David F. Sandberg has therefore returned behind the camera.
And finds almost all of its cast. Starting with Asher Angel and Zachary Levi, who respectively play Billy Batson and his alter ego Shazam. The super-heroic family, both young people and their super-heroic equivalents, are also back, which will allow us to see Jack Dylan Grazer, Adam Brody, Ross Butler or even Meagan Good.
Although deceased in the first part, the last wizard of the Council of Elders, who gave his powers to the young hero, will obviously be back because his interpreter Djimon Hounsou was seen on the set. No trace, however, of Mark Strong, who played the big bad Thaddeus Sivana in the first episode.
If the first film was inspired in particular by the fantastic comedies of the 80s, Big in mind, the second promises to be more epic and less light, if we trust its title which speaks of “rage of the gods”. Dantesque clashes are therefore to be expected in a work that should make lightning speak and involve… dragons, seen in the trailer!
For its part, the aquatic superhero, building on the success of its first installment (1.1 billion at the global box office), will return to theaters on December 20, 2023 in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. A priori, the story will tell us about a new confrontation between the hero played by Jason Momoa and Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II).
“I’m a bit superstitious, so very happy that it’s coming out in December like the first one”said director James Wan after the film was postponed. “Here’s a glimpse, through some concept art, of the huge, epic world we’re building, and it takes time to get it right”he continued on Instagram.
“These images are just the tip of the iceberg that is our film (I haven’t introduced the weird and beautiful characters and creatures of this world yet). I can’t wait to show you all of it, but it’s We’ll have to wait a little longer”he concluded.
WARNING, THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS BLACK ADAM SPOILERS
Dwayne Johnson, who has become all-powerful in Hollywood, managed to impose a Henry Cavill cameo as Superman in the post-credits scene of Black Adam. DC fans have been clamoring for the comedian’s return in the Son of Krypton costume for years. This appearance could change everything.
Indeed, it is rumored that a Man of Steel 2 would be on the way, and that James Gunn could take command. Additionally, for a possible Black Adam 2, The Rock wants to take on the Man of Steel. The two heroes seem ready to fight if we are to believe the post-credit sequence of the first opus.
Anyway, Dwayne Johnson has more ideas, evoking crossovers at all costs, even with the Joker! “We can expect anything in the DC Universe. I think a crossover can happen between Joker and Black Adam”underlines Dwayne Johnson to our microphone. “Another may also feature the Suicide Squad and Black Adam, all together with the Justice Society.”
“I’m also thinking of Shazam of course, and Superman, Wonder Woman!”says The Rock. “In our world, in this new era of the DC Universe, we think of all the possibilities. If it makes sense, everyone can meet, interact and fight!”concludes the 50-year-old actor.
In addition, The Rock went even further at the microphone of Variety, which raised the question of a crossover between Marvel and DC. “I am naturally optimistic”he replied. “I like the idea that we will see that one day. If the end goal is to have some kind of crossover that can be compelling, smart, cool for the fans, then let’s take the temperature with them”he continued.
“And if the fans like the concept, then let’s do it! This is how I run my business. I truly believe that anything can happen. Anything can happen with the right people, in the right place, with the right leadership, with the right good conversation”enthused the Hollywood star.
While waiting to know what the official future of Black Adam will be, Shazam 2 will land in cinemas on March 29, 2023. The Flash is still expected for June 21, 2023. Also note that Joker: Madness for two is scheduled for on October 2, 2024 and that a The Batman 2 is also on the way.