The reviews are in, and critics hate Black Adam. The Dwayne Johnson-fronted spinoff of Shazam! offers plenty of worldbuilding, introducing not only its titular anti-hero but also The Justice Society of America's Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher. However, when it came to an enthralling story or even enticing action, this DC Extended Universe addition fell mighty short.
But fret not DC fans, because the much-teased mid-credit scene delivered a key to what could come next for this high-flying franchise and its favorite boy scout.
Black Adam's mid-credit scene explained
After 5,000 years in a "dreamless sleep," Teth Adam has been resurrected, laid waste to his enemies, made an uneasy alliance with the Justice Society, and been renamed Black Adam. Floating about his freshly freed hometown of Kahndaq, he receives a video communication from Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). Yep, the no-nonsense director of the Suicide Squad has her eye on him.
Earlier in the film, it was Waller who dispatched Hawkman's crew to drop in on Kahndaq and demand that Black Adam play by their rules: no killing the bad guys. Later, when Black Adam surrenders his Shazam powers to be subdued indefinitely in an undersea prison, it is by Waller's good graces that he is not killed in his human form. But now that he's powerful and on the loose, she's popping in via a video call to lay down her law.
Though Black Adam has shown zero interest in the world beyond Kahndaq, Waller pronounces that he is not to leave the limits of this Middle Eastern city. And even if you're new to this DC character, the movie that precedes this mid-credit moment informs you that Black Adam isn't much for following instructions. (He's down for catchphrase coaching, though!) When he expresses disdain for Waller's command, she admits that he might be Earth's most powerful supe, but she has friends from other planets. You know what that means, right?
Yes, Superman cameos in Black Adam's final scene.
This isn't too surprising — the Man of Steel also made an appearance in the last shot of 2019's Shazam! But this time, it's not just the familiar blue and red suit that struts into frame: Henry Cavill's handsome mug is back too.
As the Superman theme plays, the DC icon emerges from swirls of mist to present himself to Black Adam. With a breezy confidence befitting the most powerful known superhero in the DCEU, Superman says coolly, "We should talk." End scene.
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What does Superman's appearance mean for the DCEU?
Well, if it's up to Dwayne Johnson, Black Adam and Superman will come to blows. In an interview with Cinemablend, he said, "That is the whole point of this, man."
Johnson went on to describe Black Adam as "introducing that new era of the DC universe," one that listens to fans. So, presumably, if fans love Black Adam, it'll be easy math for Warner Bros. to create a movie where he collides with the franchise's biggest superstar.
However, the future of the DCEU is in jeopardy in part because of Warner Bros. caving to the demand from fans (and bots) over the Snyder Cut of Justice League. The decision to finish that extended version and release it to streaming caused a massive shake-up at the studio, which resulted in the set-for-streaming Batgirl getting shelved indefinitely.
Is Man of Steel 2 happening?
Probably. The Hollywood Reporter notes producer Charles Roven is currently on the search for screenwriters for the proposed sequel. Even if Black Adam tanks, a Superman sequel seems like a no-brainer for Warner Bros., as that wildly popular hero seems as safe a bet as they have. However, the success or failure of Black Adam could depend on whether or not Johnson will have a part in a Superman sequel scenario.
THR also notes that Johnson was a major advocate for Black Adam's Cavill cameo. So, it seems the movie star is pushing hard to score a place in Man of Steel 2. But for now, it's too soon to say what such a sequel will look like.
What else is happening in the DCEU?
Coming up in 2023, Warner Bros. is currently slated to release Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. However, with the ongoing scandals and legal troubles of Flash star Ezra Miller, the future of that film's release feels far from certain.
Beyond that, Wonder Woman 3 is in the scripting phase with director Patty Jenkins attached once again. The Batman director Matt Reeves is prepping to shoot his Penguin spinoff series, and is reportedly eager to make more Gotham-set movies. And James Gunn, helmer of The Suicide Squad and TV gem Peacemaker, is campaigning to take on more DC projects.
Outside of DCEU canon, J.J. Abrams is still working on a different Superman movie, scripted by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Elsewhere, Joker 2 will team Joaquin Phoenix with Lady Gaga as his Harley Quinn. And HBO Max has promised new seasons of Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, and Peacemaker.
In short, Warner Bros. has plenty cooking on the DC range. But for now, a lot of could-be productions are on the back burner.
Black Adam is in theaters now.
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