Earlier this month, Dwayne Johnson appeared to shoot down any possibility that he would appear as Black Adam in the upcoming Shazam! movie starring Zachary Levi in the title role. Over a decade ago, Johnson was attached to play Black Adam in a different incarnation of the Shazam! film that fell apart in pre-production. Since then, the decision was made to split Shazam! and a Black Adam solo flick into two separate projects. However, the newly released Shazam! trailer from Comic-Con may have a few hidden clues that point towards Black Adam’s arrival. Today’s special edition of Nerdist News is calling down the thunder for answers.
Join host, and the next woman in line for Mary Marvel’s powers, Jessica Chobot, as she points out the connections between Black Adam and Shazam that could pave the way for a big screen showdown. In the comics, Black Adam was the predecessor of the hero formerly known as Captain Marvel, who also received his powers from the wizard, Shazam. Black Adam is so intrinsically linked to Shazam! that trying to make a movie without one or the other would be like a Venom film that can’t use Spider-Man.
The gentleman pictured above is Doctor Sivana, one of Shazam/Captain Marvel’s greatest enemies. Prior to the New 52, Sivana was just your standard evil scientist. However, the reboot added a mystical touch to Sivana by nearly blinding him in one eye, which left it able to perceive magic. That power is tied to the tomb of Black Adam, and Sivana’s magic eye is clearly visible in the trailer. If the source of his power is the same, it’s the first sign of Black Adam in the DC Extended Universe.
Johnson indicated that the potential plan calls for Black Adam and Shazam to potentially face each other onscreen after they have been established in their own movies. That said, we wouldn’t be too shocked if Johnson filmed a small cameo for the Shazam! end credits that sets up that future battle.
What do you think about the potential signs of Black Adam in Shazam!? Let us know in the comment section below!
This episode of Nerdist News is sponsored by Tor Books!
Images: Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Comics
