Observer is reporting that Warner Bros. and New Line are in advanced negotiations with Jaume Collet-Serra to direct their upcoming superhero movie,
Black Adam, which will star Dwayne Johnson (
Hobbs & Shaw) in the title role.
Variety has since corroborated the initial report and have added that the film is currently a priority for both studios following the success of David F. Sandberg's
Shazam!, which starred Zachary Levi (
Chuck) in the lead role. They're also very bullish on finally bringing The Rock into the world of superhero movies, as they assume his involvement will be a huge box office draw for fans.
According to the report, Black Adam was originally supposed to debut in
Shazam!, but the producers decided against it prior to filming and opted instead to introduce the two characters in separate solo films before bringing them together.
Collet-Serra is best known for helming a number of Liam Neeson-led actioners, including
Non-Stop,
Run All Night, and
The Commuter. He also directed Blake Lively (
A Simple Favor) in
The Shallows and recently completed Disney's
Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt (
Edge of Tomorrow) - the latter putting him on WB's radar.