October 13, 2025

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Black Adam 2: Ambitions, Setbacks, and the Uncertain Future of DC’s Anti-Hero

The Rise of Black Adam

When Black Adam premiered in 2022, it was meant to be a turning point for the DC cinematic universe. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the film introduced audiences to Teth-Adam, an ancient champion of Kahndaq who rises from imprisonment to reclaim his kingdom in the modern world. Unlike traditional superheroes, Black Adam’s moral code was built on vengeance and dominance rather than mercy — a direction that promised a darker, more complex corner of the DC universe.

The film also introduced the Justice Society of America, featuring Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher. With its grand visuals and epic action sequences, Black Adam positioned itself as a foundation for a new era of DC storytelling — one centered on power, rebellion, and the blurred line between hero and destroyer.

A Mixed Legacy

Financially, Black Adam delivered a solid box-office performance, earning nearly 400 million dollars worldwide. However, given its massive budget and marketing costs, its profits were more modest than expected. Critics were divided: while some praised Johnson’s commanding presence and the visual spectacle, others criticized the film’s uneven tone and lack of narrative depth.

Among fans, however, enthusiasm was high. The post-credits scene — featuring Superman confronting Black Adam — sparked enormous excitement and speculation. For the first time, it seemed DC might be building toward an epic face-off between two titans. Dwayne Johnson himself hinted in interviews that this clash would define the future of the DC Universe, with Black Adam 2 expected to lead directly into it.

Plans for the Sequel

Before the leadership shakeup at DC Studios, plans for Black Adam 2 were already underway. Reports suggested that early drafts of the sequel script explored deeper aspects of Teth-Adam’s origin, his role as protector and ruler of Kahndaq, and his connection to the mystical forces of the DC cosmos.

The sequel was also rumored to expand the Justice Society’s involvement, potentially introducing new heroes and villains drawn from ancient mythology and cosmic lore. Dwayne Johnson, through his production company Seven Bucks, had been actively involved in developing the sequel and exploring crossover opportunities — especially with Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill.

The Turning Point

Everything changed in late 2022 when Warner Bros. Discovery restructured its DC division, appointing James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-heads of the newly formed DC Studios. Their mission was to rebuild the DC Universe from the ground up — reestablishing tone, continuity, and long-term direction under a unified vision.

Under this new plan, called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, most previous storylines were paused or canceled. Projects like Wonder Woman 3 and Man of Steel 2 were scrapped or rebooted. Black Adam 2, despite its potential, was among the casualties.

In December 2022, Dwayne Johnson confirmed that Black Adam 2 would not move forward “in the first chapter” of the new DC Universe. He described the situation as being “caught in a leadership vortex,” where new executives were reshaping priorities, similar to how a new team owner might replace coaches and players regardless of past success.

The Reasons Behind the Pause

Several factors contributed to the shelving of Black Adam 2:

1. Leadership Transition — The creative direction shifted entirely under Gunn and Safran. They wanted to start fresh with new stories centered on Superman, Batman, and other core heroes, which meant previous spin-offs no longer fit their roadmap.

2. Financial Realities — While not a flop, Black Adam’s profit margin didn’t justify immediate sequels. For a franchise reset, every project needed both strong financial results and a clear connection to the new shared universe.

3. Strategic Reboot of the DC Universe — The new leadership decided to focus on building an interconnected universe from scratch. The previous era of semi-connected films, including Black Adam, no longer aligned with that vision.

4. Scheduling and Audience Fatigue — After years of uneven DC releases, audiences were growing cautious. The studio wanted to consolidate its fanbase before introducing darker, complex anti-heroes again.

Where Things Stand Now

As of today, Black Adam 2 is not in active development. There is no release date, no confirmed script, and no production timeline. However, the character’s future remains open-ended. Both Dwayne Johnson and DC executives have hinted that Black Adam might return someday — possibly through multiverse storylines or cameo appearances once the new DC Universe is firmly established.

James Gunn’s new cinematic universe embraces the idea of parallel timelines and alternate realities. This means Black Adam, in some form, could reappear later — either as Johnson’s version in a multiverse crossover or as a completely reimagined incarnation.