DCEU: Ranking the rumored movies in development

1. Black Adam

Is Black Adam the most well-known character in DC Comics? No. Do most people know his nemesis, the hero Shazam? Nope. But despite that relative obscurity outside of the comic world, Black Adam is still one of the more interesting characters out there. And it’s only fitting that a villain turned antihero is in the number one spot to save the DCEU.

The first news of Black Adam appearing in a movie was back in 2007. That is also when Dwayne Johnson was cast in the role. As the DCEU developed after Man of Steel, Black Adam was removed from the story of Shazam!. However, it was reported that Warner was developing a solo movie for Johnson’s Black Adam.

The main reason that Black Adam can save the DCEU is Johnson. His appeal to mass audiences is undeniable. There is a reason he is among the highest paid actors and it is not because of his incredible acting skills. Johnson has discovered a formula for action movies that rake in the cash and set up multiple sequel opportunities. The Fast and Furious franchise, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and San Andreas are among his top earning films. Johnson has proven his ability to carry a film regardless of his co-stars or quality of script he’s working from. It seems that only Gal Gadot has come close to matching Johnson’s star power and appeal since joining the DCEU.

Just as Johnson has crossover appeal, so too can Black Adam move around the DCEU. His solo project can serve as an introduction to the character and familiarize audiences with Johnson in the role. From there would come an inevitable clash with Zachary Levi’s Shazam. The success of Shazam! will determine when exactly that happens but Johnson is credited as an executive producer and will certainly have some input.

From there, Black Adam can go against the Green Lantern Corps or Superman as a villain. He could appear in a future Suicide Squad sequel as a member of Task Force X or its enemy. And considering both their popularity, Warner Bros. will find some way to get Johnson and Gadot on screen together.

With Superman leading the heroes and Black Adam leading the villains, Warner Bros. can build the DCEU behind two popular actors as characters with infinite possibilities. Zack Snyder had a very specific vision for these films but it’s clear those days are in the rear view mirror. To reach mass audiences, the DCEU can uses these 10 films to tell new stories, introduce new characters, and ultimately create entertaining movies.