Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, has recently been in the news for his decision to exclude Zachary Levi's Shazam from Black Adam. While this may initially appear to be a display of ego, there may be more strategic reasoning behind his decision. In movies, villains can be just as compelling and engaging as their heroic counterparts. In fact, allowing villains like Black Adam to chart their own course, independent of their heroic opponents, could change villains on the big screen for the better.
Joker's Success Started Villains on a New Path
Joker, one of the most iconic villains in the DC Universe, received his own standalone movie in 2019. The film, simply titled Joker, was a massive success, critically and financially, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and winning numerous awards. While The Joker has always been considered Batman's greatest adversary, his standalone film proved that the character could exist independently of the Dark Knight and still captivate the audiences. But more than that, the success of Joker was a testament to the power of well-written characters.
The Rock's Bold Move With Black Adam
Black Adam, like The Joker, has the potential to be a massive success as a standalone character without relying on his heroic counterpart, Shazam. He has a rich and compelling backstory, is a multidimensional character and possesses a range of unique abilities that set him apart from other villains. And even though Teth-Adam's movie didn't perform as well as Joker at the box office or with critics, by allowing the character to stand on his own, the powers that be opened the door for bigger things in the future.
Furthermore, by choosing to exclude Shazam from Black Adam, The Rock created an opportunity to explore the dynamic between the two characters in a unique way. If Black Adam and Shazam eventually cross paths, their encounter will not be the typical hero versus villain showdown that audiences have come to expect. Instead, by keeping Shazam out of Black Adam, filmmakers can delve deeper into the relationship between the two characters and present it in a new light. That could result in a more engaging and dynamic storyline.
So, The Rock's decision could prove beneficial. Now, filmmakers can see a window into exploring new narrative possibilities and creating more engaging content by expanding's the villain's story without a hero. It's impossible to argue that every villain-centric film can be successful, but there is an appetite for well-crafted stories that focus on the bad guys. And even if the move doesn't pay off specifically for Black Adam, who may never return to the DCU, it still can redefine the hero-villain dynamic.
Black Adam is streaming on HBO Max.