Yesterday evening, Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson confirmed he will not be part of DC Studios' DCU plans. While the actor left the door open for a possible return down the line, we're guessing that was more a case of saving face and not because Gunn has promised him a sequel sometime in the next 8-10 years.
In recent weeks, it's become clear Johnson cared primarily about the Black Adam franchise instead of the wider DCEU. The former pro wrestler seemingly hoped to build a cinematic universe around his anti-hero, with a sequel and spin-offs for characters like Hawkman and Dr. Fate.
That was evident from the news Johnson declined to make a cameo appearance in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. After all, why show up there to tease a future meeting after pushing for a post-credits scene that would have seen Black Adam eventually square off with DC's crown jewel, Superman?
Now, The Wrap's Umberto Gonzalez has revealed that the actor's team also turned down the offer of Black Adam making his presence felt in The Flash.
That would have established the anti-hero in the wider DCEU, though we wouldn't actually blame Johnson for not wanting to be associated with Ezra Miller's Scarlet Speedster given the actor's recent troubles. Prior to the formation of DC Studios, Warner Bros. also shot cameos with Henry Cavill's Man of Steel and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Those have since been cut.
We don't anticipate seeing Black Adam on screen for the foreseeable future, and can't help but wonder whether Johnson will now be hoping an offer comes in for him to join the MCU...