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Why James Gunn’s DCU doesn’t need Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam

By Michael Johnson

DWAYNE JOHNSON on the set of New Line Cinema’s action adventure “BLACK ADAM,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
DWAYNE JOHNSON on the set of New Line Cinema’s action adventure “BLACK ADAM,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures /
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DWAYNE JOHNSON as Black Adam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure “BLACK ADAM,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures /

Let’s get one thing straight, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is Black Adam, the ancient antihero and one of the most powerful beings in the DC universe, however, the DC Universe doesn’t need him.

After more than a decade of waiting for the movie to be made, The Rock finally (pun intended) got his chance to suit up. However, with The Rock and Warner Discovery beefing over box office numbers, and DCU Chapter One not featuring Black Adam, it appears that things aren’t looking so bright for the action star. Not to mention the rumors that Johnson turned down a Shazam cameo to further his idea to pit Black Adam against Superman. Fans were not feeling that one.

With so much turmoil, it doesn’t look like Black Adam is part of Warner Discovery’s plans moving forward, and he doesn’t need to be. Gunn’s focus should shift to the Justice Society of America, a team of superheroes Black Adam introduced.

Who are the JSA?

Hardcore comic book fans know the Justice Society of America, or JSA, as the first superhero team in comic book history. Created by Sheldon Mayer and Gardner Fox, the team consisted of Golden Age versions of Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Doctor Fate, and other iconic characters. The JSA was an important part of DC’s comics during the 1940s, and their popularity led to the creation of the Justice League of America in 1960.

Despite their importance in comics history, the JSA have yet to get the love they deserve from live-action adaptations. They have made appearances in Smallville, Legends of Tomorrow, and Stargirl, but never in a theatrical release. With James Gunn at the helm of the DCU, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce the JSA to a wider audience.

Diversity is one of the biggest reasons to focus on the JSA. The team includes characters from different backgrounds and cultures. Let’s take Carter Hall (Hawkman) as an example a reincarnation of an Ancient Egyptian prince named Khufu. and Kent Nelson (Doctor Fate), who is a sorcerer.

Their roles in Black Adam gave us the feeling that both Hawkman and Doctor Fate have been around for a while, seen the world change, and adapted to it. This gives them a unique perspective on the world and their role in it, and it can lead to interesting stories that are different from what we’ve seen before.

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