Black Adam has been steadily releasing new information in the lead-up to its release. Today, Vanity Fair published an interview with Black Adam himself, Hollywood bodybuilder and fan favourite Dwayne Johnson, as well as exclusive new photographs from the impending movie. The film will reveal the background of Teth-Adam (Johnson), an ancient Egyptian slave who, as a result of becoming Wizard Shazam’s underling, has limitless abilities. Black-and-white allows us to focus on the finer points of the costume and set design in the Vanity Fair photographs.
They show Johnson acting and using his talents up close and in full body shots, as well as the masked protagonist poised to unleash devastation on a gang brandishing heavy gear. Some of the Justice Society of America’s members, including Aldis Hodge (Hidden Figures) as Hawkman, Pierce Brosnan (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) with his Dr Fate helmet in place, Quintessa Swindell (In Treatment) in action as Cyclone, and Noah Centineo (To All the Boys trilogy) in a reflective moment as Atom Smasher, are shown in stunning clarity in the new images. While discussing the differences between Black Adam and Superman, Johnson explains his thoughts in the conversation.
It’s a dream of many DC Comics readers to see a heroic showdown between Batman and Superman on the big screen, given how close the two are in terms of strength. Johnson argues that their divergent moral codes explain this disparity. Superman is not a murderer. He adheres to and respects a set of principles. Even Black Adam has his own special set of morals. And this is where I get to have a little fun with the explanation: he will not think twice before tearing someone in two.
Quite literally, he will take a victim by the throat and the thigh and rip them to shreds. In Black Adam, we shall learn about Teth-Adam, a man doomed to a life of servitude in Ancient Egypt, who escapes his fate by becoming a warrior for the Wizard Shazam. Black Adam, through his allegiance to Shazam, has gained the godly abilities of Solomon’s wisdom, Hercules’ strength, Atlas’ stamina, Zeus’ might, Achilles’ bravery, and Mercury’s speed. Teth-penchant Adam’s murder, however, would eventually bring him into conflict with the Justice Society of America, a predecessor to the Justice League.
It was written by Adam Sztykiel (Scoob! ), Rory Haines (The Mauritian), and Sohrab Noshirvani (Prime Video’s Informer), and directed by Jaume Collet- Serra (The Shallows). Sarah Shahi (Sex/Life) and Viola Davis (Widows) also star. Davis is recast as Amanda Waller.