The Rock's Black Adam won't be in 'Shazam', Geoff Johns confirms

By

·

July 25, 2017

Last week we learned that Shazam will go into production early next year, but there were some conflicting reports as to whether or not Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would still star as the villain. Yahoo caught up with DC Films president Geoff Johns for an answer.

“We haven’t announced any casting yet,” Johns said. “But Dwayne isn’t going to be in this movie. He’s still doing Black Adam, but he won’t be in Shazam.”

So there you have it. The Rock won't be in Shazam, and instead will star in his own Black Adam movie which will probably set up a Shazam vs. Black Adam fight for a future movie.

With Black Adam absent, which villain would you like to see in Shazam? Let me know in the comments below.

SOURCE: Yahoo

This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com

150 comments

Josh D.
July 25, 2017
Does Black Adam really need his own movie? I really have no idea how WB plans to schedule all these movies without more than three years between sequels if they're really planning to move forward with all these movies.
1. Jay Cartwright
  July 25, 2017
  "I really have no idea" at least you admit it.
  1. BatmanNewsChris
    July 25, 2017
    Be nice, Jason.
    1. Jay Cartwright
      July 25, 2017
      I am babe
    2. Jack Thorne
      July 25, 2017
      What he said certainly wasn't nice, but with all due respect, people are allowed to say an awful lot of worse things in here without censure.
      1. BatmanNewsChris
        July 25, 2017
        I stop moderating after the first 5 comments.
  2. Josh D.
    July 25, 2017
    Sorry. Is this a dumb question? 2019 and 2020 are packed as it is, and WB only has spots reserved for five films over that time period. They have a couple other WB tentpole dates reserved as well, but a few are about a month apart or less from the DC dates. It feels like movies keep getting added to the slate, but there isn't realistically enough strategic dates to schedule them, and keeping creative talent tied to a project longer than about three years is tough to pull off.
    1. Robin Bankes
      July 25, 2017
      I share all the same concerns, I think those 2 characters can be a part of the Shazam movie, either giving WB some realistic breathing room to do all the movies they announced at comic-con, or opening up an extra slot for another movie people are dying to see like MOS2, WW2, GLC, The Batman, or God forbid a JL2
    2. Jared M. Bobak
      July 28, 2017
      i keep saying that theyre not making these movies. i dont know what theyre strategy is, if its a tax thing, a business thing, some contractual thing with DC...but we will not see most of these movies made. Keeping the Rocks name in the headlines is good for both parties in this situation
2. OGmacrazy
  July 25, 2017
  It's an ego thing. They're giving actors full solo movies for their characters simply because of star power.
  1. Hunter Zolomon
    July 25, 2017
    Sadly thats true, lets face it the only reason we have a Black Adam film is because The Rock wants his own DC solo film. I suspect him not being in Shazam is because of this solo film as well.
  2. Logic
    July 25, 2017
    Black Adam deserves more of a story than Shazam,. He's MUCH more interesting and touching, villain or not.
    1. OGmacrazy
      July 26, 2017
      And you can't have an interesting and touching villain in a super hero movie?
    2. Clarkie
      July 26, 2017
      this is such a stupid comment... Black Adam can be part of this Shazzam movie, if they can do justice to both of their characters in one film I don't see the point of separate these two... oh yeah Star power...
      1. BrucethaDon
        October 28, 2017
        ho1d up. b1ack adam z one of if not shazam's biggest vi11ain. why waste him in the first movie when u can give fans something to 1ook forward to
    3. Van Harbi
      August 3, 2017
      where can I get to know abou Shazam and BA? any animated movies would you suggest?
      1. Logic
        August 3, 2017
        The main animated movie which features them both would be Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam
        An you can look on YouTube for Comicstorian's video on the backstories of Shazam/BA, he does a decent video covering them.
        The best BA/Shazam stories aren't strictly their stories, though, like JSA Dark Reign, Final Crisis, Kingdom Come, through the whole 52 event, and stuff like Black Adam: Dark Age
        Comicstorian has a decent back story YouTube video on Shazam/Black Adam as well
      2. Van Harbi
        August 4, 2017
        thanks a lot
3. Robin Bankes
  July 25, 2017
  Yeah they sure feel like they're cramming these movies together, which would be fine if there was a track record of consistency and universal praise/success (like Marvel), but there hasn't been so we'll just have to see if this bold plan actually comes to fruition, I don't trust it but I'm rooting for the DCEU nonetheless.
  1. UltimateEdition
    July 25, 2017
    How are these crammed together when black Adam and Shazam are separate films? If anything they are takin their time, at least with Shazam
    1. Robin Bankes
      July 25, 2017
      I moreso meant ALL the movies they just announced at comic-con, and rather than having a Shazam movie w/ BA, now they're gonna make ANOTHER solo BA movie of a character nobody knows about? Incorporating BA in a Shazam movie fits b/c the nature of those 2 characters, and it also introduces us to BA even sooner, plus it opens up a slot for something unrelated like The Batman, WW2 or MOS2 (assuming Shazam and BA wouldn't make an appearance in those). I should also say I have a bias for seeing the core JL characters first rather than pepperring in SS2, GCS, a BA solo film, when we haven't even properly been introduced to GLC or Flashpoint, but that's just my preference.
      1. UltimateEdition
        July 25, 2017
        Well there are no release dates for any of the films on the new slate and most likely you are going to get Wonder Woman 2 and flashpoint sooner than later and aquaman is going to be released after justice league so at this point it's only cyborg that doesn't have a movie listed from the current justice league lineup... as far as the other films go suicide squad was a commercial success and you still have the Batman... and anything Batman related is easy money... I say don't worry about anything being "crammed" and enjoy the ride as the dceu finds its rhythm and kicks it into high gear with amazing movies coming up
  2. Cortez
    November 1, 2017
    The idea that Marvel films have been consistent and universally praised feels like a really common modern day urban legend. The first Captain America, the first two Thor films, Iron Man 2 & 3, The Incredible Hulk, and Age of Ultron all had their share of mixed or negative reactions. Their track record is definitely mostly positive but they've had their ups and downs.
4. Kouglof
  July 25, 2017
  https://media.giphy.com/med...
  1. Josh D.
    July 25, 2017
    Look at the already planned studio release schedules in 2019 and 2020. Even scheduling three movies a year is going to be tough. Black Adam just seems unnecessary.
    1. Kouglof
      July 25, 2017
      Yes I know, the gif wasn't for you ;)
5. Schuyler Finley
  July 25, 2017
  He is an interesting enough character that can warrant his own film
  1. Josh D.
    July 25, 2017
    Any Shazam! or Black Adam graphic novels you might be able to recommend so I can better familiarize myself?
    1. Schuyler Finley
      July 25, 2017
      Sorry, I don't read comics. I suggest looking up Linakara's videos about Shazam and just read up on wkia. That's where I got my knowledge of the characters.
    2. Jack Thorne
      July 25, 2017
      POWER OF HOPE, THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL, FIRST THUNDER (only because it has the first face to face with Superman).
      DC52 VOL 1. has him edgier and darker. I think they'll use this as a blueprint (it's written by Johns).
      Haven't read much Black Adam.
      1. Josh D.
        July 25, 2017
        Thanks!
    3. jrvc
      July 25, 2017
      Black was great in 52, totally recommend it. His motivation is perfectly laid out there
    4. Scribe
      July 25, 2017
      What about the 52 series? And what was that series that had Black Adam going to war with nearly all of Earth's heroes?
6. residentgrigo
  July 25, 2017
  Adam is a more interesting character than Billy and Geoff loves him, so yes. Both can easily support films too, even apart. Especially if i consider how good Black Adam: The Dark Age was. It´s to gritty and complex to work as even a squeal but it´s on of the best minis of the last few decades.
  https://theidiosyncritic.fi...
  Squirrel Girl is getting her own show, so any discussion why is X getting Y can be forever tabled now. Ambush Bug will soon get his own movie universe at this tempo.
  1. OGmacrazy
    July 25, 2017
    Squirrel Girl appearing on a Freeform comedy show (that is not her own, there's 5 other protagonists, so to speak) is kinda different than Black Adam getting his own movie.
7. StarTheory
  July 25, 2017
  Warner is just like Sony, throw shit at a wall and see what sticks.
EpicNoobsFTW
July 25, 2017
Don't like this idea really, but money is money. If anything, he could make the Shazam film a bigger draw.
1. Six By Six
  July 25, 2017
  Perhaps they're wanting to do some sort of weird trilogy (if you can call it that) with Shazam! being the first film, Black Adam being the second, and the final being them going head-to-head, with Superman in there, maybe? IDK.
  1. hesh3r
    July 25, 2017
    had similar thoughts on this but who knows
  2. ken
    July 25, 2017
    So pretty much a slightly different version of the man of stee trilogy, I can see that
  3. EpicNoobsFTW
    July 25, 2017
    I actually like that idea, i hope Black Adam is featured in some way though in Shazam, even if they mention or a simply hint at him.
  4. Kris Knight
    July 25, 2017
    Yeah I feel this is where its going, with Rock's production company handling the creative (it's also not being distributed by WB, but by its affiliate New Line). Almost a separate universe within the DCEU.
Jay Cartwright
July 25, 2017
Superman is the villain, he'll be destroying even MORE cities, so Shazam! will fuck his lil bo diddly ass up.
OGmacrazy
July 25, 2017
https://media.giphy.com/med...
Thank fucking Christ. Dude has been coasting on being a generally very nice guy to his fans and making shit movies always playing the same shitty character: himself.
1. Kris Knight
  July 25, 2017
  I have to say I totally agree. I'm honestly sick of him. The only thing I can stand him in is Ballers, which the show is bigger than him.
  His movies have become an assembly line generated generic crap for the lowest common denominator. Him and his production company's strategy of "quantity over quality" is going to crash sooner or later. The only thing really keeping him afloat is the F&F franchise, but even that has an expiration date at some point. And unfortunately for DC, by the time they get to a Black Adam movie, I'm not sure he'll have the same market draw anymore.
  1. OGmacrazy
    July 25, 2017
    Oh he won't. You're already seeing it with the fantastic flop Baywatch was. I honestly think they got him for Black Adam because out of the characters he saw, he chose that one and they simply gave it to him, without screentests (obviously, there's not a single person cast even), without reading for it, etc.. It's purely based on star power, and those tend to be very shitty decisions.
    1. OGmacrazy
      July 25, 2017
      Well, sure. Charisma is fine, but it's not great nor even passable actor material. Also, if you can't see Michael Keaton's acting range between Beetlejuice, Batman and Birdman, then I really can't say anything. He may not be the best actor of all time, hell the dude disappeared for decades off the spotlight, but he can actually act. Dwayne has never shown anything remotely close to what Keaton did in Beetlejuice.
      1. CECECEWC
        July 25, 2017
        "for decades off the SPOTLIGHT"
        I see what you did there. ;)
      2. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        Haha I actually didn't do it on purpose, if you can believe it.
    2. OGmacrazy
      July 25, 2017
      Seriously?
      Fan casting is the worst kind of casting.
    3. J.K.2019
      July 25, 2017
      Baywatch made over $170 million for a budget of $69 million and the movie was garbage.You have to be idiot to deny Rock's star power.
      1. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        With that budget? It made no money whatsoever then. Baywatch showed he isn't infallible, and I really hope he got the message.
      2. J.K.2019
        July 25, 2017
        It made more than twice of it's budget.Are you serious?...
      3. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        Yeah 69M is the production budget. Don't forget to add the marketing budget to the equation as well, and I'm sure Rock's contract has some kind of profit percentages involved. So no, it made no money. 170M on a 69M budget is beyond miserable.
      4. J.K.2019
        July 25, 2017
        I doubt a movie like this will have big marketing cost.
      5. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        You'd be surprised. Usually, it's almost as much as the production cost itself. Tv ads, youtube ads, etc..
      6. J.K.2019
        July 25, 2017
        Well. this guy did say that the movie will be profitable.
        http://deadline.com/2017/07...
        Also, don't forget DVD sales, Tv rights etc.
      7. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        That was before the film closed. They might have expected more. Either way, that's not an optimal scenario. Box office is USUALLY (not always but still) a pretty good indicator of things to come. Ain't no tv station paying much of anything for a movie that no one wants to see.
      8. Hunter Zolomon
        July 25, 2017
        Do you have any idea on how budgets, marketing and box office works? No money money was made on Baywatch, that $69 million you can at least double that with marketing costs and then you have the Cinema cut and actors who have stuff in their contracts what say "i get this amount of % from the box office". The studio would have at the very least expected 250 million+ at the box office and most likely more.
      9. J.K.2019
        July 26, 2017
        Here...
        http://deadline.com/2017/07...
        And, No studio would be idiotic enough to spend 70 million on marketing for a movie like Baywatch.They would only do that if they expect the movie to make around $300 million which isn't the case here.
      10. Hunter Zolomon
        July 26, 2017
        That article means nothing as it was made before its final gross and the tone of it was clearly hoping for a better total, i've seen other articles what argue otherwise to this one article anyway. As for marketing yeah 70 million is about right, you clearly have no idea on how much marketing costs, the fact is Baywatch had quite a lot of marketing before release and that wouldn't have come cheap.
2. CECECEWC
  July 25, 2017
  HERE'S WHAT I THINK THEY'LL DO WITH BLACK ADAM:
  I think they'll do the Will Smith Suicide Squad thing where he's a "villain" but he's NOT really evil. So just like how Will Smith kinda played himself, they're gonna have The Rock play himself just slightly angrier. *SIGH* We'll see
  1. OGmacrazy
    July 25, 2017
    That'd be so bad but I can just see it happening.
3. J.K.2019
  July 25, 2017
  You say that but Gal Gadot was a garbage actor before doing WW.In the end, it all depends upon the director.If the director wants him to be different then he can do the job.But, If the director wants him to play the same money making guy then it is impossible.
  1. OGmacrazy
    July 25, 2017
    Gal Gadot barely ever even made a movie before Wonder Woman. The Rock has had a very exposed movie career since the beginning of the century. That's my point. The Rock is heavily involved in this movie, like most he stars in, and he'll probably have a big say on how things are run, which is a disgrace.
    1. J.K.2019
      July 25, 2017
      Nothing wrong with that.if no Rock then Black Adam would have never gotten his solo movie.And, Gal has done many role but she never did any "acting" before WW.B/W, Rock is an ok actor.Watch Pain & Gain, Faster.Like i said, It all depends upon director.
      1. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        Exactly, which was my point. Black Adam does not need a fucking movie to himself. It's purely out of ego and nothing else. I prefer to have movies made from some kind of creative spark, not flatout money making reasons and nothing else. Also, did you do any research? She'd barely ever done anyting besides the Fast franchise. She had 12 credited roles before being announced as Wonder Woman. You cannot use her as an example because she hadn't had time to prove anything really. And you can't also say she's the best example because even though she was very likable and did a great job in Wonder Woman, it really wasn't a paramount performance in any way. Meanwhile, The Rock has had dozens of films, and he never once impressed with his acting skills. Also, nice joke there. Pain and Gain, really?
      2. J.K.2019
        July 25, 2017
        Black Adam and Shazam getting their solo movie and then colliding in the third.I think, It can be interesting.It's about time a villain got his solo movie.
        Yes, Pain and Gain.You watched it?..
      3. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        Yeah, I get that, I just don't see how it's necessary to waste money and a release date on a movie about black adam. Also by that time you'll have plenty of Sony Spider-Man spin off villain movies. It really doesn't make any sense other than wanting to piggy back on The Rock's star power.
Robin Bankes
July 25, 2017
Still not really sure what the hell WB is thinking but whatevs at this point
ken
July 25, 2017
Good the rock could a use a break from the light and comeback better in what will hopefully be a fresh movie with Black Adam
Broose Wang
July 25, 2017
What's the problem with putting Black Adam in Shazam's movie? There's still enough room to add another origin in one movie.
1. hesh3r
  July 25, 2017
  My thoughts on this : If they bring black adam in the shazam movie...were he most likely will lose/die etc. then they cant really bring him in another one or even make him the star of a solo movie. just my noob thoughts
arkhamasylum12
July 25, 2017
Was just gonna post something like that myself. Adam and Sivana are definitely notable villains, but Shazam doesn't really have much else in terms of recognizable villains. The only other one I can even think of is Mister Mind, but I don't think a caterpillar with glasses would make for an intimidating movie baddie haha
1. residentgrigo
  July 25, 2017
  Mister Mind is one of the biggest threats in the DC canon. Just go back and read the 52 maxi series again and which great villain stable does Deadpool have?
  I read about 150-200 of his solo issues and even forgot about Ajax, despite reading all of his appearances.
  The Seven Deadly Enemies of Man and Captain Nazi (him please!) are quite good too.
Fubar
July 25, 2017
Oh yeah cuz that makes a lot of sense. "Let's make a shazam movie but not put shazams main villain in it, although we already have him casted for his own movie." Quit fucking around Geoff johns!
1. Jay Pay
  July 25, 2017
  Batman Begins didn't have Batman's main villain the Joker in it. Just hinted towards the Joker at the end with a flip of a playing card. Great way to lead into a sequel. Perhaps Shazam can go by a similar method.
  1. mabruno
    July 25, 2017
    You can't really compare the two characters. Batman has several potential opponents. Black Adam on the other hand is pretty much Shazam's only worthy antagonist.
    1. Jay Pay
      July 25, 2017
      Yeah, that's a good point. We'll have to see though. Perhaps the storyline will be more focused on working Shazam into the DCEU. And who knows what that will be like at the time.
    2. sj conker
      July 26, 2017
      Dr. Sivana was Captian Marvel's first villain. They'll probably use him, although I worry about the inevitable comparisons between Shazam/Sivana and Superman/Lex.
Jason_Fallen_Son
July 25, 2017
Perhaps in the sequel.
Danny Neiba
July 25, 2017
hey ...Joker did appear in a movie with no Batman. Although Batman did come out in the end as Bruce Wayne.
1. Kouglof
  July 25, 2017
  You mean Suicide Squad ? Yeah Joker appeared 2 minutes in this movie and we have already saw all of those scenes with Joker in the trailers before the movie.
Kris Knight
July 25, 2017
The way Johns was all giddy like a little schoolgirl after his meeting with The Rock's people a few months ago means probably he's handing over the keys to the Shazam world to Rock and his production company. That could be a huge mistake because those guys have had a "quantity over quality" approach to anything they do. Rock is involved in more or less 5 productions a year, which is huge. And he's booked for the next 2-3 years. Already seeing how Baywatch flopped, it could be a sign that the market does not respond that greatly to him anymore. The Jumanji sequel will be a huge test of his current and future relevancy. And for DC's sake, they better hope it doesn't flop.
1. OGmacrazy
  July 25, 2017
  It's going up against the second weekend (if I'm not mistaken) of Star Wars. LOL it never stood a chance.
  1. Kris Knight
    July 25, 2017
    Yeah that's what I thought also, comes out a week after Last Jedi. Haha that ain't gonna be pretty. If they don't manage to get a fantastic 1st weekend, I don't see a movie like that recovering well the following weekends. Last Jedi will do better than Force Awakens, so good luck to anything along its way. I'm thinking even Justice League will suffer a bit, even with its release a month before. Look at WW's longevity. Part is due because nothing extraordinary was in its way. Star Wars though is extraordinary.
    1. OGmacrazy
      July 25, 2017
      Yeah, Jumanji really got a shitty release date. September would be perfect for it, I reckon. Oh well, if it ends up shitty (major probability of happening), then it'll deserve it.
  2. J.K.2019
    July 25, 2017
    Kevin Hart and Rock has their own audience.It will be just fine in the long run.Jumanji sequel is a comedy movie.It targets different audience.
    1. OGmacrazy
      July 25, 2017
      I agree in part, but just like every other actor who only has one shtick, they will fade. Sooner or later.
2. J.K.2019
  July 25, 2017
  Wrong, Baywatch did not flopped.Get educated.
  1. Kris Knight
    July 25, 2017
    We're not talking "King Arthur" flop, but a flop nonetheless. On average movies keep 50% of the gate. So that, minus the budget gives them a 16m profit. Add marketing costs, and we're talking brake-even. Like I said, it's not a major loss to the studio, but a movie pushed very hard as a summer popcorn blockbuster flick, with Hollywood's biggest action star driving it, breaking even is considered a flop.
Kris Knight
July 25, 2017
Because Johns is in love with Johnson, it's that simple. And he thinks Rock's appeal is eternally high. 3-4 years ago, I would have said yes, hedge all your bets on him for a production immediately. But at this rate, by the time they get to his movie, not sure The Rock will have the same draw, thanks to countless mediocre releases he'll be involved in.
1. Kris Knight
  July 25, 2017
  Absolutely. Those two will gauge if he has what it takes to make it to the next level of stardom. However I think one of those two will be a flop.
  1. Hunter Zolomon
    July 25, 2017
    They need good reviews i think to stand a chance, Baywatch proved that The Rock doesn't sell tickets alone as the reviews sank that film.
  2. sj conker
    July 26, 2017
    Isn't he also doing that Disney Jungle Cruise movie?
mabruno
July 25, 2017
No Black Adam in Shazam ? Who will Shazam fight then ? It doesn't make sense to me.
1. Halberdier17
  July 25, 2017
  I hope Mister Mind and the Monster Society of Evil
  Hopefully Mister Mind is giant instead of the height he is normally portrayed as having.
  The one Post-Crisis team was Mister Mind, Mister Atom, and several mind controlled citizens.
Orlando Furioso
July 25, 2017
Well, I imagine Shazam will be a kid-friendly PG movie or maybe PG-13 (I guess this on the need to branch out in the ratings spectrum and the character of Billy Batson). As for villains, I am not that well versed on Shazam lore but maybe Sivanna. I would love to see Mr. Mind.
towblerone
July 25, 2017
Hopefully, with Johns involved, Shazam will use the New 52 origin story and utilize Sivana and the Seven Deadly Sins as the villains.
Alejandro Polina
July 25, 2017
Maybe they can adapt Mr Mind and its 52' mutated form. I know he is a silly villian, but that form was an incredible threat that could destroy the multiverse, he could offer a good fight against Captain Marvel, I mean, Shazam XD
Jesse Hernandez
July 25, 2017
How about you give us that MOS sequel
1. Knight-Errant
  July 25, 2017
  I agree. Truthfully, looking at the slate of films reportedly coming out, I'm really only interested in the MoS sequel & the WW sequel. The rest I can continue to wait for Netflix releases. Which is weird, as I've only ever really found Batman & Lex to be DC's most interesting characters in the comic books. These versions of the characters, not so much.
2. Black Adam
  July 25, 2017
  Announcing MoS sequel while they are hiding him for upcoming JL movie? That seems illogical even for current WB executives. Why hiding him in the first place, right? For now, mind you. I think by the end of this year, which means after JL, they'll announce MoS 2.
  1. Jay Pay
    July 25, 2017
    That's a good point. I think the DCEU will be a constant wait and see. We are too used to MCU's approach which is tell us everything and give us the same cookie cutter fun and light hearted movie every time.
  2. hesh3r
    July 25, 2017
    kinda stupid cause everyone knows supes gonna be in it. i dont think wb got the balls to not bring him xD in JL
    1. Black Adam
      July 25, 2017
      It's not stupid. It's part of them trying to tell us a coherent story and keep up with constructive narrative they already set up in BvS. Everyone with access to internet could go and read cast for this movie and see Henry Cavill is in it, and they'll just put 2 and 2 together. Or they can watch behind the scenes video and see Superman in it alongside with JL members. Only idiots who didn't follow end scene of BvS or saw any of these thing I mentioned and still chose to ignore it are just that - idiots.
      We all know he's coming back. But how about we let them tell us their story how they want and not how we expect it should be.
      1. hesh3r
        July 27, 2017
        why so serious.
  3. OGmacrazy
    July 25, 2017
    He's been part of the marketing... How exactly are they hiding him? They've simply not shown him in the trailers.
John Johnson
July 25, 2017
My first thought (and it's because I'm currently re-reading Kingdom Come) was to have the first act be Billy's origin, second act maybe has his development and playtime with his new powers but with a deviation towards villainy (because Batson is a troubled orphan teen), and the third act brings in a Superman cameo to turn Billy around and show him how to be a hero.
So essentially, Shazam would be his own villain. Just an idea. Mainly because I'd love to see this scene:
https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
1. Jack Thorne
  July 25, 2017
  That's an nice idea, I need to go back and read Kingdom Come.
  The problem I would have with that is the stakes. Would the audience find it persuasive that the lead character, ostensibly viewed as the protagonist, could be the antagonist by the end? If they don't find that idea believable, and there is no other villain, then the film can become rudderless.
  The audience would need a jeopardy they could really believe in.
  1. John Johnson
    July 25, 2017
    Yeah, that's a good point.
2. EpicNoobsFTW
  July 25, 2017
  The idea about superman would be incredible to see on screen and really show what superman represnts.
Black Adam
July 25, 2017
In my opinion it was far better to do Darkseid standalone, introducing Apokolips, New Genesis, Old and New Gods, while explaining Darkseids motives, instead of splitting Shazam movie into two. Also, they would distance themselves from inevitable Thanos comparison which will come into audience's mind by first act of JL movie for sure.
I would kinda understand their approach if they were doing Black Adam movie first, because it's easier to explain Shazam's origin that way, and we would get far better story with telling tragedy of Teth instead of a kid getting powers equal to Superman's - but again, all that could have been done in one movie.
Kouglof
July 25, 2017
Top 10 Shazam rogues :
* Number 1 : Black Adam
* Number 2 to 10 : I don't even know
https://www.youtube.com/wat...
1. residentgrigo
  July 25, 2017
  Every single Deadly Sin of Man is a separate charter and Adam spends decades dead after dying during his first appearance.
Black Adam
July 25, 2017
Now that I think of it, why does Shazam need to go against his own rogues gallery? He could always go against Superman. I mean, in this realistically reactionary world Snyder is trying to convey in DCEU, when Superman finds out there's a kid who transforms with fucking magic and turns into Superman of his own, will he just stand by and do nothing? Should he stand by and do nothing? Or will he uncharacteristically for him go and just say to him "Hi there, whatcha having there kiddo?"? Maybe Reeve's, but this one hell no...
1. residentgrigo
  July 25, 2017
  And then they make up and Billy chooses Sups as his role model. You would still need a 3rd act attraction for the film though.
  PS: Reeve´s Superman is still a serial killer. He would be the first to slugger some fool randomly.
  1. Black Adam
    July 25, 2017
    Remind me again, what's Billy's mom name? :D :D
    1. residentgrigo
      July 25, 2017
      It´s actually Marilyn but we sure can dream.
      1. Black Adam
        July 25, 2017
        Just imagine Superman pinning Shazam down, and then Shazam saying something like "You're letting him kill Mar..." and Supes replies "Fuck, you won't use that shit against me" and then he snaps Shazam's neck. :D I would pray and pay to see that only because bitches would be so annoyed by that. :D
      2. sj conker
        July 26, 2017
        Start's with an M? Close enough.
2. Schuyler Finley
  July 25, 2017
  I see Billy wanting to be like Superman, and then you have Superman basically teaching him the do's and don'ts.
  1. Black Adam
    July 25, 2017
    And that's already most boring movie ever. Honestly it is. Not mentioning then they'll have to include some classic bad guy enough powerful to go against both Superman and Shazam. And that's Black Adam. But we already know Black Adam isn't going to be in this movie. Also, they have already done that in animated Shazam/Superman VS Black Adam movie.
    If they choose to go against someone who wields magic, then why having Superman in the first place, he's basically useless against it. And he'll just take spotlight from Shazam that way.
    1. Schuyler Finley
      July 25, 2017
      Eh, I think it would be good for Billy to learn from Supes. It already seems like Batman may teach Barry a bit in JL.
      1. Black Adam
        July 25, 2017
        Great, now you have two most boring movies ever.
      2. Schuyler Finley
        July 25, 2017
        It won't have to be the whole basis of the film, but it is important for Billy to understand that being a hero isn't like in comics or tv shows. Superman learned that on his own. And it would smart of Billy to ask for some guaidance, especially since this universe leans more twords realism.
      3. Black Adam
        July 25, 2017
        I get what you're saying, and yes, in some previous iteration of both Superman and Shazam, some 50 years ago, that would be an interesting story to tell.
        But this world they have created and this Superman they have created are nothing like that. They are far more complex then that Superman and his comically perfect and naive world from Donner's Superman.
        Hell man, imagine yourself at this moment as a 10 year old again? Now imagine you have immense power. And you could do anything with it. And then comes a person who want's to control you, telling you how you should learn on his examples and shit?
        Fuck that. I'm not saying I'll do crime, but don't try telling me what I should do like you have a moral high ground or something.
        It would be difficult and complicated. And that's what makes it beautiful and interesting.
      4. Schuyler Finley
        July 25, 2017
        Oh I get that. I'm saying that the mentorship can occur afterwards. Maybe Billy's actions lead to people getting hurt or he almost kills someone.
      5. OGmacrazy
        July 25, 2017
        Wasn't Superman supposed to become like his more usual self from JL on?
        So now he doesn't see hope in people, he doesn't see the best in humankind anymore?
        Hell, even in BvS he saved Lex from Doomsday. This Superman wouldn't just go to Billy and start barking out orders, he definitely would be comprehensive and try to deal with the situation as well as he could. He also would definitely be oblivious to the fact that Shazam is a child at first, right?
3. Shane
  July 25, 2017
  So basically turn him into Batman and make him feel threatened everytime there is someone new on the block?
  1. Black Adam
    July 25, 2017
    As I've said, in this realistically reactionary world we were introduced in MoS and BvS, probably in JL to some extent, yes, of course first thing Superman would do is go and investigate this almost benevolent being, equal to him in almost every way.
    "make him feel threatened"
    He could be a a threat to mankind, you're choosing to ignore essence of Superman in DCEU just because they didn't show us some stupid shit like him saving stranded kitties.
    Billy is a fucking kid, he just found out he could do anything he wants, he can wield magic, and then this Superman comes up, starts yapping about duties and responsibilities. Fuck that. That's a real world. Reaction from a real world they are trying to portray in their movies.
    1. OGmacrazy
      July 25, 2017
      Or you know, the kid actually idolizes Superman and actually hears out what he has to say because not every kid is an insolent bratty child?
4. Grewal
  July 26, 2017
  I understand your point but I mostly disagree.
  This Superman was not agree with Batman's way of handling crime but his first action was not to catch Batman. He confronted Batman when He figured that He branding criminal to die in jail ( yes, Lex was behind it, but Superman didn't know). Even then He not unmasked Batman in public or handover to police. Because Superman understood that Batman is good guy fighting crime but wrong way.
  Now in Shazam's case. He will fully relate to Shazam. A guy with extraordinary powers trying to do good and If some collateral damage happen. This Superman not go against Shazam. Most likely He will approach him in friendly manner. As fictional public of DCEU respect Superman after BvS. It seems like Shazam will appreciate it. Only possible way this Superman go against if Billy act as edgy kid and try to do some big stupid thing.
residentgrigo
July 25, 2017
He will fight Doctor Sivana, as he should but why not this classic Shazam villain:
http://www.writeups.org/wp-...
Could you image how much DC could extend it´s reach by choosing Captain Nazi? A very real and often used character. Even Legends of Tomorrow used him! #CaptainNaziforShazam
1. FUN
  July 25, 2017
  Chris Evans for Captain Hydra!
OGmacrazy
July 25, 2017
Yeah, let's make a movie of our most child-like and child-dream-fulfilment character we have into a think piece (not to mention that's already what they tried to do with Man of Steel and BvS, on a slightly different topic)... Don't ever try to make it into the movie business, dude.
1. OGmacrazy
  July 25, 2017
  Yet another controversial commentary by Tw1s7.
  And you say I'm not taken seriously.
  https://media.giphy.com/med...
  1. sj conker
    July 26, 2017
    They can make a Shazam movie where he lifts a bunch of things and contemplates his poor choices as a father. Like Superman Returns. s/
Glenn Brown
July 25, 2017
does SHAZAM have any other villians then BLACK ADAM???
1. Halberdier17
  July 25, 2017
  These are his other most known villains:
  Blaze and Satanus
  Captain Nazi
  Doctor Sivana
  Ibac
  King Kull
  Mister Mind
  Mister Atom
  Sabbac
  Blaze and Satanus are probably not going to be used because Lex Luthor is directly responsible for their creation.
TheHummuss
July 25, 2017
Riiight - and then at the end of Shazam as Billy looks to the sky a voice in the shadows shrieks: "IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLLELELELLE....."
Oyarzun Kramer
July 25, 2017
I was hoping He would be Shazam AND Black Adam, something like the rock being the ultimate form of the champion of the wizard. In my opinion WB lost the oportunity of having one of the most charming actors in Hollywood as one of his main characters.
Alan Conn
July 25, 2017
Thought they already stated this...
1. Halberdier17
  July 25, 2017
  It was only a rumor until Geoff Johns confirmed it.
diogo02000
July 25, 2017
He is really out, soo i imagine his solo movie will be split between the past and present. Also, Silvana and Mr Mind for villains, please!!!
ᗩᖇᑕᕼᗩᑎGᕮᒪᒪ
July 25, 2017
I love you guys but why in the Hell not? Does Black Adam really need his own movie? Why wouldn't you introduce Black Adam in the Shazam movie? Because you know, you guys have no idea how to cross-pollinate your films... Frickin' WB, I tell you - They take one step forward (Wonder Woman) and too many damn steps backwards to count. SMH

Browse By Topic

Browse By Year

Browse By Author

This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com