How Did Dwayne Johnson Get the Role of Black Adam?

Dwayne Johnson reveals ‘Black Adam’ was inspired by The Rock’s legendary Heel Turn The seeds of Black Adam were planted almost all the way back to The Rock’s time in WWE, which ended in a third heel turn.

In 2017, Johnson began discussions with New Line Cinema about a proposed Shazam film, and at the time had already starred in The Scorpion King, The Rundown, and Gridiron Gang.

The film, which would tell the story of Shazam, Captain America, and Black Adam was created under the direction of comedy director Peter Segal. Johnson was reportedly recruited to play the character of Shazam but saw more potential in Black Adam. However, the film remained stuck in development hell for ten years.

According to Dwayne Johnson, the version of Black Adam, due for release on October 21st, is nothing like the original plans for the character. Johnson also revealed that despite years of back and forth, the two lead films only got a finished script six or seven years ago, with the two characters squeezed into a 100-minute film.

A draft script prompted the wrestler-turned-actor to meet with Warner Bros. executives. and suggest that the film be made into two films.

Here is What more Dwayne Johnson shared about his role as Black Adam?

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Although Johnson has starred in a number of PG blockbusters as well as all-ages films, his rugged The Rock persona comes through in his earlier films.

When asked if he draws inspiration from his days as The Rock, specifically his legendary heel turn in 1990 that saw him team up with Vince McMahon and transform him into a corporate champion, he said his wrestling persona played a major role in driving Black Adam.

Towards a more fiery character that fans of the DC universe would love. Nearly 20 years after Johnson was fully in the wrestling world, his WWE persona is something he still reflects on.

Although people may have disagreed with The Rock’s choices, Johnson says that “wrestling was a lot different at the time” and “The Attitude Era was a lot more violent. So there were a lot of parallels.

The thing about Black Adam is that while you don’t have to agree, you can interpret him as a supervillain, an antihero, a protector, or even a superhero. you might not agree with his philosophy, but everyone gets it.”

According to Cageside Seats, The Attitude Era is the most celebrated and controversial era in WWE. Although there are conflicting opinions as to when The Attitude Era began and ended, it probably began in November 1997 and ended in April 2001.

During this era, every show was a well-anticipated event and the era brought back many new fans as well as former Hulkamania fans.