Black Adam is a ‘disruptive’ entry into the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and to the superhero genre, said Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson.
In an effort to introduce the brawling character on the big screen, Johnson said the team was focused on delivering a different and unique movie to the fans of the genre and the DC universe.
“We all wanted to make a film that was different and unique in this world of superhero genre that has been so wildly successful over the years and has led our business for over a decade,” the 50-year-old actor said at a global press conference.
“We have tried to come in and create a movie that was disruptive, that was different. And there was this narrative that we had been saying. Even when we were making the movie, we were saying that we wanted to usher in a new era in the DC universe,” he added.
According to Johnson, the team wanted to accomplish the goal of inducting new characters into the fold of the DC universe, which is populated by fan- favourite superheroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
“We wanted to introduce new characters to the world, which is not easy to do. We did it with intrigue and interest and with respect to mythology and to the DC fans. So there was a lot to balance that I think we all took accountability for and everyone came to the table and really wanted to make a tremendous movie. And again, make something that was just different and that was reflective of all our characters,” he elaborated.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Black Adam sees the titular superhero being unleashed in the modern world, nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods.
In the modern world, the superhero comes face to face with the Justice Society of America, who tries to stop his rampage.
The actor said the film will appeal to the audiences on a philosophical level as well. “Everyone has a philosophical difference in the movie, but no one's wrong here,” he added.
As a character, Johnson said he found Black Adam a person with strong conviction and passion for the things he believes in. “It was surely an honour to play him and deliver him to the world.”
At the same time, the actor was also excited to introduce the superhero group Justice Society of America (JSA) to the world. “It was truly an honour to make this film and introduce to the world this group — the Justice Society of America. The JSA was the very first superhero group, even before the Justice League,” he said.
With the Justice Society of America, the film will introduce characters like Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone.
Aldis Hodge, who stars as Carter Hall aka Hawkman, the leader of the superhero group, said he had a fantastic time working on the movie. “It was fantastic stepping into this. I have been a comic book fan myself. It was really a responsibility to just step into the shoes and honour what the fans grew up with and what they want to come to see.”
Black Adam also marks the entry of former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan into the superhero space. The film came to him at the most opportune time, said the British star, who plays the role of Kent Nelson aka Doctor Fate.
“The timing was perfect for me. Doctor Fate met me at a good time in life with the years I have on me and the experience of life that I have lived. I enjoyed playing him so enormously and every day was a joy to go to work with my fellow actors. And we did become a family,” said Brosnan.
Noah Centineo of To All the Boys I've Loved Before fame plays Albert ‘Al’ Rothstein aka Atom Smasher, a character he said comes from a pedigree of superpowers. “And with that comes expectations and a pressure that he has on him. There is also a sense of privilege and you got to bake all of that into who he is. Then he got to show up with this incredible cast and it turned into a family. So you just let it all go and trust everyone around you. Trusting your co-stars in the easiest part without a doubt,” the actor added.
Black Adam also stars Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari and Quintessa Swindell.
Produced by New Line Cinema, DC Films, Seven Bucks Productions and FlynnPictureCo, Black Adam will be released in the country by Warner Bros. India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on October 20.
