What led to the decision of not giving Black Adam a sequel despite its successful opening and positive feedback from fans? Dwayne Johnson, who plays the titular character, shares his insights on the matter in a recent clip from his show Hart to Heart with Kevin Hart. In this article, we will dive deeper into the reasons behind Black Adam’s exclusion from the new DC Universe and explore the impact of leadership changes and the consequences of COVID-related stoppages.
Johnson suggests that Black Adam was caught in a “vortex of new leadership,” leading to its downfall. He highlights how changes in leadership within publicly-traded companies can result in creative and fiscal decisions that may not align with the vision of the cast and crew. The impact of COVID-related stoppages further exacerbated the situation. However, Johnson does not blame the pandemic entirely but rather emphasizes the series of leadership changes.
A Vision for the DC Universe
Last December, Johnson revealed through social media that Black Adam would not be a part of the first phase of DC’s new plans according to conversations with DC Studios co-head James Gunn. This decision was made by James Gunn and the DC leadership, representing their vision of the DC Universe through their creative lens. While disappointing for Black Adam fans, the exploration of other valuable ways to utilize the character in future DC multiverse chapters was promised.
Amidst the headwinds faced by Black Adam, the film did not lose substantial money. This fact is stated by various sources, indicating that the movie performed reasonably well despite the challenges it encountered. Johnson questions why the film was not included in the new DCU, considering its strong opening and other positive aspects. The absence of a theatrical release in China is mentioned as a potential missed opportunity in terms of box office revenue. Additionally, the reintroduction of Superman and Henry Cavill into the franchise garnered significant attention and excitement.
One of the perplexing aspects for Johnson and others involved with the film is the lack of inclusion of Black Adam in the new DCU, especially considering its efforts in creating a diverse superhero portfolio. The world responded positively to the introduction of a fresh superhero, and the film had the potential to contribute to the growth of the franchise. However, it seems that these factors were not adequately taken into account during the decision-making process.
Johnson acknowledges the importance of the bottom line in business decisions but also emphasizes the significance of audience engagement and opportunity creation. As an audience-driven creator, he understands the challenges faced when decisions are not made with the audience’s best interests in mind. Johnson draws a parallel to sports, where new team owners often impose their own preferences, disregarding past successes and the opinions of fans.
The mystery surrounding the exclusion of Black Adam from the new DCU raises questions about the impact of leadership changes and the decision-making process within the industry. Despite its successful opening and positive reception, the film did not receive a green light for a sequel. However, the promise of exploring other avenues to utilize the character in future DC multiverse chapters offers a glimmer of hope for Black Adam fans. As the DC Universe continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Black Adam and other beloved characters will be integrated into the franchise.
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