Despite taking something of a mauling from critics, Black Adam looks set to be a box office hit. That all but guarantees we're getting a sequel, but even after some big teases from star Dwayne Johnson, that may not include Superman.
Understandably, the actor did everything within his power to hype up Black Adam before its release last week, even spoiling the mid-credits scene (in a roundabout way). That appeared to be setting the stage for Henry Cavill's Man of Steel to battle Khandaq's new protector, but The Rock is now dialling back fan expectations.
Sharing an interview clip in the Tweet below, Johnson pointed out that Superman vs. Black Adam is "definitely not the next step." Instead, "We have a lot more long term storytelling to do before that historic DCEU showdown and more new characters to establish."
We can't fault that approach, though it will be a little strange if these two characters met in the mid-credits scene, only for whatever came next to be saved for much further down the line. Many fans have argued that they want to see Superman battle his classic villains, not Black Adam, so perhaps that's a priority for Warner Bros.?
Talking of walking back on things, it appears Dr. Fate's story isn't over after all. Kent Nelson died in Black Adam, but with moviegoers embracing the hero, a resurrection may be on the cards.
Eric Strauss, Linda Strauss, Inza Cramer Nelson, Jared Stevens, Hector Hall, Kent V. Nelson, and Khalid Nassour have all also held the Dr. Fate mantle, so Black Adam 2 has plenty of options. Pierce Brosnan could return, of course, though Kent's demise seemed very definitive.
Black Adam is now playing in theaters.