Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson recently announced that the upcoming film will mark the beginning of a "new era" for the DC Extended Universe.

Johnson addressed how the blockbuster will shape the future of the DCEU in an interview with Screen Rant. "[The San Diego Comic-Con 2022] footage is a reflection of our tone," he said. "That footage is also a reflection of our director's vision, who wanted to create something that was different; who wanted to create a movie that was disruptive. But also he wanted to create a movie that would start the pendulum swing in the DC Universe."

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"In addition to the hierarchy of power that I've been talking about, this pendulum swing [will] usher in a new era of the DC Universe. A new antihero era; a new era of tone, and a new era of story," Johnson continued. "And also, it's this incredible opportunity that we have at Seven Bucks Productions for Black Adam's storytelling to build out the DC Universe with disruption and with respect. Listening to the fans, because they'll always guide you."

Black Adam Breaks the Mould

Black Adam director Jaume Collet-Serra echoed Johnson's remarks in a recent interview, insisting that the titular protagonist is different from other DCEU superheroes. Referencing Black Adam's anti-hero attitude, Collet-Serra pointed out that the character was responsible for much of the conflict in the movie, rather than the solution to it. He added that this sets Black Adam apart from the DCEU's more conventionally heroic costumed adventurers, as well as many of the roles Johnson has played in the past, too.

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While Johnson and Collet-Serra remain at pains to highlight the differences between Black Adam and previous installments in the DCEU, the film remains firmly entrenched in the shared universe's established canon. A notable example of this is the inclusion of Suicide Squad's Amanda Waller, who is once again portrayed by Viola Davis. The size of Waller's role in the movie is currently unclear, although Hawkman actor Aldis Hodge recently indicated that Davis filmed more than just a one-scene cameo.

Johnson also has plenty of praise for his DCEU peer Henry Cavill, raving about his performances as DC's flagship superhero, Superman. "Henry is a buddy and he is a phenomenal Superman," he said. "He is a phenomenal Superman and Henry Cavill is the Superman of our generation with respect to the other Supermans of the past.

Black Adam arrives in theaters on Oct. 21.

Source: Screen Rant