Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is having a moment in joining the comic book world. The mega movie star will make his superhero debut in next year's Black Adam, where he will change the "hierarchy of the DC Universe." Black Adam has been in the works for more than a decade, but even before The Rock was cast as the DC anti-hero it seemed like an inevitability that the actor would join a super-powered franchise in some form.
In his time promoting the upcoming DCEU film, Johnson has been having a blast. Whether it be wrestling-style promos teasing Black Adam or challenging Superman himself, he has been wallowing in the fanfare as only he knows how.
Now, while there has been some talent who have made the jump between Marvel and DC, there has yet to be any real on-screen connection between the two cinematic universes. Sure that may seem like a pipe dream at this point, but it could be closer than one ever thought, at least according to The Rock.
The Rock vs. Marvel?
In a recent post on his Instagram page, Black Adam himself, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson challenged the Avengers to a bout with his DC hero.
Johnson posted a photo of him and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu at The Game Awards, saying Liu will "need a lot more than 10 Rings," and that Liu or "anyone from Marvel" can "let [him] know when [they]... [want] to dance with The Man In Black:"
"Very happy for your success, @simuliu and great to see you break new ground in our industry
Way to raise the bar with Shang-Chi, my friend! But you’re gonna need a lot more than 10 Rings, my friend… Let me know when you ~ or anyone from Marvel ~ wants to dance with The Man In Black ~ Black Adam️
#itsaboutdriveitsaboutpower"
Black Adam Takes on The Avengers
While the Marvel and DC universes have made plenty of crossovers on the comic page over both companies' storied histories, this has yet to happen on the big screen. Now, Johnson's caption here is not teasing anything substantial, he is simply hearkening back to his days of wrestling and having some fun with one of his movie star peers.
It is pretty cool to ponder the thought of whether a crossover like this ever actually happen. It would be immensely cool, that is no doubt. But a Justice League vs Avengers film is likely not in the cards.
Both Warner Bros. and Marvel Studios have too much pride and very little incentive to make a crossover ever really work. The circumstances of the industry as a whole would have to change to a great extent for this to ever happen.
But for now, fans can dream, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson can continue dropping challenges upon any and every cinematic superhero that he crosses paths with.
Black Adam debuts in theaters on July 29, 2022.
