Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a living breathing comic book character as most know. It’s long been speculated as to just where he’ll fit into the rival universes of Marvel or DC Comics. Johnson has been very flaky about just where he’s going to fall as well. Finally, we have confirmation that The Rock will at least be IN a DC movie soon but just who he’s gonna play is still up in the air. He will either play Shazam himself or Shazam’s arch nemesis Black Adam.
The Rock’s name has been mentioned casually with Shazam as early as 2007 when the movie was just getting off the ground. Back then it was director Peter Segal (50 First Dates) talking about Johnson and Shazam. So here we are 7 years later, and it looks like that DC is finally gonna move forward with it.
For those (like myself admittedly) who aren’t as savvy on Shazam (maybe because he was DC’s Captain Marvel) and Black Adam, the story centers on a human who after uttering the single word SHAZAM! is transformed into a super human possessing the powers of various legends and gods of history (i.e. the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas etc etc). He then saves the day as the hero Shazam. His arch nemesis is Black Adam who like Shazam draws on the powers of Egyptian gods and goddesses and is transformed into a super human. The spirit in Shazam is benevolent while Black Adam’s is malevolent. Johnson said he has a passion for both characters actually and would seemingly fit well into both roles.
As DC gets ready to push the chips all in with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, are we really that much closer to seeing The Rock in a Shazam film? What once was a sure bet with “The Sinister Six” is now a bust in the wake of The Amazing Spider Man 2‘s run at the box office. I know DC wants to cash in on the current hot streak of comic book movies, but I guess time will tell if audiences are that invested. We all know Superman, The Batman, and Wonder Woman but Shazam isn’t as widely known.
There is something to be said about the fact that Dwayne Johnson just got done transforming into Hercules though.
So what do you guys think ? Can the Rock pull off Shazam/Black Adam or will what seems like a smart casting become a Shaq moment as Steel?
[button type=”button” link=”http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=54941″ variation=”btn-danger” target=”blank”]Source: Comicbookresources[/button]Last Updated on August 9, 2022.
