Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam Looks Intense on New Movie Cover

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam movie

Black Adam will showcase the DCEU debut of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the titular anti-hero from Kahndaq. The film is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, and it will follow the origin story of Teth Adam and his future conflict with the Justice Society of America, featuring members such as Atom Smasher, Dr. Fate, and Hawkman. 

Alongside Johnson, Black Adam also features Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Aldis Hodge, and Quintessa Swindell as part of its massive ensemble.

DC FanDome 2020 gave fans a first look at the powerful Shazam! villain, with Johnson teasing during the event that the hierarchy of power in the DCEU will forever change. The 2021 edition of the online event boosted more anticipation for the movie as the film's first official clip gave a preview of Adam's vengeful power

Now, a fresh look at Johnson's DCEU character has been revealed. 

Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam Takes Center Stage 

Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson officially unveiled a brand-new Total Film magazine cover featuring his DCEU character. 

The image shows Johnson's Teth Adam wearing his hood while staring intensely at the camera: 

Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam
Total Film

Alongside the reveal, the former WWE champion expressed his excitement by sharing a quote from the movie, revolving around Black Adam's willingness to kill bad people:

"You're right.

Superheroes don't kill bad people.

But I do." ~ Black Adam

The hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is changing.

I'm pumped to share with you our new @totalfilm subscriber cover.

Newsstand cover DROPS NEXT 12/9

#TotalFilm #2022Preview #TheManInBlack

Black Adam's Brutal Personality 

This new Black Adam image hints at the anti-hero's intense nature. This makes narrative sense, especially considering the character's backstory of being imprisoned by the Wizard Shazam for millennia. 

In the pages of DC Comics, Black Adam has been on both sides of the equation: an anti-hero and a full-blown villain. Based on the film's DC FanDome 2020 presentation, it looks like Dwayne Johnson's DCEU character will be a mix of both. 

The WWE Hall of Famer previously mentioned that the film would show Adam "not showing restraint," claiming it would be "dangerous" while also being "likable."

The actor's comment, combined with the teases about the movie, could hint that Black Adam will start as a villain before eventually transitioning into an anti-hero to help the Justice Society of America against a common enemy. 

Still, Johnson's reveal that Black Adam is willing to kill bad people could be problematic for the JSA and even the Justice League. 

Black Adam's moral dilemma could be addressed in the movie, and it could be his continuing storyline moving forward in the DCEU. 

For now, this magazine cover could serve as an indication that a full suit reveal is soon on the cards. 

Black Adam is set to premiere in theaters on July 29, 2022. 

- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.