Who is 'Black Adam'? Dwayne Johnson's antihero regarded as one of the iconic baddies in DC history
DC is the phase of ushering in a new era of heroes, and villains, and Dwayne Johnson's 'Black Adam'comes in the latest threat to humanity as 'Black Adam'. Originally slated to make his debut in 'Shazam!' the powers that be decided that the character get his own film would lend more depth to their future plans. The film also sees some new heroes and villains suit up. 'House of Wax's Jaume Collet-Serra helms the movie based on a screenplay by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani.
Joining him are Aldis Hodge and Sarah Shahi as Hawk Man and Adrianna Tomaz, respectively. Noah Centineo as Albert "Al" Rothstein /Atom Smasher, Marwan Kenzari as Ishmael Gregor /Sabbac, Quintessa Swindell as Maxine Hunkel /Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan as Kent Nelson /Doctor Fate also appear. The major question for the uninitiated though: Who is Black Adam?
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Who is Black Adam?
Johnson's titular character is described as an antihero from Kahndaq and was imprisoned for 5,000 years after he kills the Pharoah with the intention to rule the world. This betrayal sees his arch-rival Shazam banish him to a distant star. Fandom's description of the character reads, "Black Adam was an ancient Egyptian slave who received the powers of the Wizard Shazam. However, he was imprisoned for millennia by the Wizard after he misused his powers. He was eventually freed in the modern day where he went on to battle the Wizard's new champion Billy Batson many times."
The character first appeared in 1945 and was created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck. Over the years, he gained cult status for being one of the more violent antagonists in the franchise. His powers stem from the six Egyptian deities — Shu, Horus, Amun, Zehuti, Aten, and Mehen. Combine this powers of flight, superhuman strength, and reflexes, Adam is one of the latest in DC's roster to pose a threat to the already-formed Justice League.
The official synopsis of the movie reads, " "From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action-adventure 'Black Adam'. The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra ('Jungle Cruise'). Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world."
'Black Adam' releases on October 21 in cinemas in the US.