Black Adam: How does Dwayne Johnson want to update the superhero myth?

As you wait for Shazam to return on December 21, make your way to his enemy: Black Adam! Chosen for the role, before Zachary takes on the role of Levy’s protagonist, Dwayne Johnson is set to make a sensational entry into the DC world on October 19th.

And before the trailer has just been released, he talks on our microphone about the project with director Joe Colette-Serra (who was already directing him on Jungle Cruise) and co-producers Bo Flynn and Hiram Garcia.

AlloCiné: What attracted you to “Black Adam” and the opportunity to establish the American Justice Society?
Dwayne Johnson : This project is really a personal passion that I would need many years to implement. Together with my partners, Hiram Garcia and Bo Flynn, we did our best to make the best film with Black Adam. If we look at the mosaic of what DC has to offer – and this is what we did with Hiram when the superhero movies actually came out in about 2010 – we find that Warner had a clear plan with the main characters like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Or even Flash and Aquaman.

But the more we studied the mythology and profile of the black Adam, the more we discovered that there was something very cool and unique about him, including superpowers that not many people know about. So we tried to convince Warner of the novelty and strength of this character.

He has the ability to change the hierarchy of power and in this he is truly an extraordinary superhero. Moreover, it was an opportunity to present the American Justice Society, which was a group of superheroes in front of the Justice League, and to present other no less rich and fascinating characters. We jointly had access to all these intellectual qualities and started working.

In a world where nothing is really white or black, I love a black man who is a gray character

Jaum Colette-Serra : It was a fantastic opportunity for me, especially since I did not grow up with comics like Black Adam. But we had a very good experience, Dwayne and I were on Jungle Cruise, so I immediately agreed to a proposal to continue my relationship with this film. Also, Dwayne noticed that I only wear black, so I was the ideal director for a black man. We have a similar sense of humor and fun and honor were part of this adventure.

Dwayne Johnson: Jaume is a very humble person and that is why I adore him. He scored as a boss with Jungle Cruise, which was not an easy movie and I knew I could count on him with Black Adam. He is a person who is thoroughly immersed in the project. He has conducted all the research necessary to fully understand the character and I am delighted with our new collaboration. What I liked about him is the references he uses in his films.

Here he asked me: “Which is your favorite Clint Eastwood movie?” I replied that it was Inspector Harry, but also ruthless. Jaum then concluded that Black is Adam “Unforgivable” And that he does not forgive, but also has Detective Harry’s creations. This is the kind of movie we finished.

Jaum Colette Serra: In a world where nothing is truly black or white, I love a black man who is a gray character.

So different from a hero game that is exactly in gray, almost anti-hero? Does it make a difference to your audience?
Dwayne Johnson: It was an opportunity to play a completely different character from the characters I had played before. There was something about the black man that deeply troubled me, especially his history as a slave and his family. And finding a director who would allow this story to exist and renew the superhero myth, to re-create it was all a unique situation that I just got used to.

Especially since this is an incredible opportunity to create a character who is half superhero, half super villain. The black man walks the wire between two chasms: super good and super bad. And then he is a hero rooted in his family love, which is also unique in the world of superheroes. After all, what Black Adam says or does is what he thinks should be done for the good of mankind.

Is it hard to present such a little-known superhero to the general public?
Dwayne Johnson: The original idea was to introduce Shazam and Black Adam to the public. This is an idea we had back 4 or 5 years ago. We also had a script written in which these two characters were represented. But when I re-read the project, I realized that we had to single out these two films. We had to evaluate each character independently. For comic book lovers, I think it was important to act that way.

Sympathetic Flynn : I remember Dwayne calling me at 5:45 in the morning after training. He told me that we were only going to focus on Black Adam and his history, his origins. Dwayne has that kind of instinct and I knew it was the right move. Dwayne is perfect as a black man, especially since he is playing a superhero for the first time. I think what makes Dwayne unique and appreciated around the world is his honesty, his authenticity.

Dwayne tells him the way he is and how he feels. And that is exactly what the black man says and does. We live in a difficult world, a world where it is not easy to be honest and share your feelings. It is not easy to say something that seems to you, but not necessary to others. But the world needs a black man who says what he seems to be at the risk of shocking others. I think this film inspires other people to express their deepest feelings, whatever they may be, on this or that topic, even if that thought is not necessarily popular.

Who will be members of the American Justice Society?
Hiram Garcia : What an honor it was for us to introduce the fans to the American Justice Society and its original story. The real challenge was to find actors who would be able to see the comics. It all started with the casting of Noah Centineo, who plays Atom Smasher. But we were also lucky to have Aldi Hodge in the role of Hockman, who came in incredible shape on the set, with solid physicality.

Everyone understood the responsibility of perfectly interpreting all these mythical characters. And let’s not forget the quintessential swindler who plays the cyclone. And cake on the cake: Pierce Brosnan Dr. in the role of fate. I think the whole world is going to stop breathing with this panel of superheroes and superheroes. Thanks to Dwayne Johnson, we had the opportunity to have the best actors, with connections between everyone that actually feel on screen.

This is the first time you see a superhero in a costume without the addition of foam, pads to make it more muscular

Dwayne, you just said that superheroes have a code of justice: what was it like for your black man?
Dwayne Johnson: Respect for Black Adam Mythology. As well as the most authentic and heartfelt in the interpretation of this superhero. But the main thing is to listen to the advice of my partners and support the fans.

Hiram Garcia: Not to mention Dwayne’s physical training to look like a black man. This is the first time you will see a superhero in a costume without the addition of foam or cushions to make it more muscular.

Dwayne Johnson: And I’m ready to continue playing Black Adam in every possible sequel. And spin-offs. I’m optimistic that we can continue to expand the world of DC Comics with Black Adam over the years.

Finally, what does a black man represent to the world in which we live?
Sympathetic Flynn: There is a real allegory in this film, a real discussion between Hockman and Black Adam about the importance of justice, the meaning of the word superheroes and their mission. I believe this film, beyond its gigantic and entertaining side, raises genuine humanistic questions. This makes it even more interesting.

Jaum Colette Serra: For me, the heart of this film is family. This is what matters.

Dwayne Johnson: True, this can be bypassed-but not unless you’re a techie who knows what he’s doing. Black Adam believes in the concept of family and he will do anything to protect it no matter what.

Interview with Emmanuel Iter in Los Angeles, June 6, 2022