Note: The following article contains major SPOILERS for Black Adam.
Black Adam is exploring a new side of the DCEU and bringing in various heroes from DC's extensive library. But, despite the film's impressive superhero roster, audiences had long clamored and speculated about the return of one specific crimefighter: Henry Cavill's Superman. The actor last played the role in 2021's Zack Snyder's Justice League, and did not portray the character for his cameos in Shazam! and Peacemaker.
Instead, body doubles were used and Superman's face was obscured or left off the shot. The actor's absence from the role led to speculation about his retirement from the DCEU, especially after a 2018 report from The Hollywood Reporter stated Cavill was out as Superman. Now, however, things have changed, because Black Adam features Henry Cavill's long-awaited return as the Man of Steel.
Black Adam recently held its New York City premiere at the AMC Empire 25. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dwayne Johnson was asked how much he had to do with Superman's appearance in Black Adam, and if there was any information on a potential Man of Steel 2.
The actor said the following:
"Here's what I can tell you—I can tell you that the whole goal and initiative of 'Black Adam' was to build out the DC Universe by introducing not only Black Adam, but the entire JSA. Five new superhero characters in one movie. And also, as I have been saying all along, there's an ethos that we at Seven Bucks Productions have. Myself, my co-founder Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, and that is, 'We always put the fans first.' Audience comes first."
Johnson continued, openly welcoming Henry Cavill back into the DCEU:
"We've established Black Adam as the most powerful and unstoppable force on our planet, but the fans have been so passionate about—as we have been—'Where is the most unstoppable force in the universe? Where is he?' Well, just like I fought hard for 'Black Adam' for 15 years, Dany [Garcia] has been fighting for six years, Hiram [Garcia] has been fighting for six years, 15 years, we've all been fighting for this moment. So, I will say this: Welcome home."
Johnson is clearly excited about Superman's return, and the actor has big plans for a shared future between Black Adam and the Man of Steel.
A Black Adam/Superman Fight Is Potentially Coming
Black Adam may be best-known as Shazam's nemesis, but the antihero has also crossed paths with Superman in the comics multiple times. And, according to Dwayne Johnson, having the two characters meeting and fighting is a goal for the DCEU.
The actor was asked by Cinema Blend whether or not there were plans to have Adam and the Man of Steel together in a movie, to which he replied there were:
"Absolutely. That is the whole point of this, man. [...] And I have been saying for some time, there's a new era in the DC Universe that's about to begin. And what I meant by that was introducing a brand-new character. It's not a sequel, not an existing IP. It was... you know, Black Adam! [...] But also, what I really meant by, 'This is a new era in the DC Universe,' is listening to the fans. [...] And doing our best to give the fans what they want. [...] And in this case, with what you and I are talking about, I have been listening, and I've been wanting to address fans for years. [...] So, finally, after many months turned into many years, we ended up with what we ended up at. And the whole goal and intention now is to this new era, new time. Now let's build out."
Henry Cavill's Superman return opens many exciting possibilities for the DCEU, especially given how he's being tied to Black Adam's story. Box office results for the antihero's film will understandably influence the trajectory of that pairing, but the duo seems to have a promising future on the big screen.
Black Adam arrives in theaters on October 21, 2022.