Back in his WWE days, Dwayne Johnson always knows how to make an entrance, and Saturday morning was no exception as the action star, fully dressed as DC superhero Black Adam, was elevated in Hall H at Comic-Con as the speakers shook the room to its core.
Around the attendants’ necks were black Adam’s lightning lights that lit up when he arrived.
“H Pavilion, you have been warned. The DC Universe will never be the same again,” Johnson said.
#BlackAdam entry! #SDCC pic.twitter.com/wsdH7lgoQ1
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 23, 2022
Said director Jaume Collet-Serra: “I’ve seen the film and I love it… no more notes.”
Johnson returned to the stage in more relaxed summery gear after the Black Adam cast of Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo and Quintessa Swindell were introduced as part of the Warner Bros. presentation that also included Shazam: Power of the gods
“I heard Black Adam was here,” he joked.
The Black Adam team also released a new teaser that steps up to the pic’s October 21st release date. Watch it above.
“It’s been a long journey filled with passion and courage to push Black Adam — it’s been over 10 years,” Johnson said. As for working with Collet-Serra on the project, it’s been five.
“To be here at Comic-Con, Hall H, representing a DC hero, an anti-hero, is a dream come true,” Johnson told the room. “When I started 20 years ago, many moons ago, I used to bring movies here and I hope people like them.”
“How can we create something that is fresh and unique… show and create something that has never been done before? My goal is to usher in a new era in the DC Universe… How is it to build the DC Universe with the Justice Society as well,” Johnson added.
“It’s a dream come true to be here”: Dwayne Johnson on being at Comic-Con for #BlackAdam #SDCC pic.twitter.com/DQ3fn6NiqX
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 23, 2022
Hodge called his Hawkman, who follows Black Adam in the film, “The Savage, The Beast, The Warrior.”
“Whatever happened to Carter Hall with the JSA [Justice Society of America]… we started this shit*!” Hodge said. The actor said that when Johnson called him with the role, he couldn’t believe it. He thought his phone had been hacked. “When he said, ‘Welcome to Black Adam,’ it was one of the best moments of my career.”
Aldis Hodge playing Hawkman at #BlackAdam #SDCC pic.twitter.com/GSqUJtaoBS
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 23, 2022
Centineo said of Atom Smasher, another member of the JSA, “I was amazed to be a part of this universe, the creation of Dwayne and James.”
The actor said that Collet-Serra wanted to bring a “youthful side” to Black Adam with the character of Atom Smasher. “He wants to prove himself as a superhero, a little boy who wants to find his way in life.”
Noah Centineo on joining #BlackAdam as Atom Smasher #SDCC pic.twitter.com/I3ispdxGso
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 23, 2022
Swindell shared his experience playing Cyclone and choked up, “We’re two young people experiencing our youth. We’re in this mix with our powers, and where we can exercise and identify with them more. This is a journey in itself”.
Johnson said “Pierce Brosnan sends his love, he’s here in spirit,” about the Bond alum who is MIA in Hall H.
A little boy asked Johnson if Kevin Hart was jealous of the Rock when he got the role of Black Adam.
“Yeah, Kevin Hart gets jealous, but you’re already taller than Kevin Hart,” Johnson replied.
Dwayne Johnson responds if Kevin Hart was jealous he didn’t get the role of #BlackAdam #SDCC pic.twitter.com/WqWUa1eIpk
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 23, 2022
As for who would win in a fight, Black Adam or Superman, Johnson says, “pound for pound they’re close.”
“But that depends on who plays Superman,” Johnson said. (Unfortunately, Henry Cavill did not appear in Hall H).
Dwayne Johnson’s answer to who would win in a fight between Superman or Black Adam #BlackAdam #SDCC pic.twitter.com/uRZCj19CTL
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 23, 2022
The footage featured Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller making a cameo appearance. Black Adam is a guy indestructible against missiles and bullets. He’s also angry and awakened, and it’s up to the Justice Society to quell him.
The explorers enter an ancient tomb and activate a magical symbol, causing a headless figure to crash into the earth in front of them. When the soldiers shoot him, he uses his powers to kill them all and exits the cave, destroying two helicopters along the way. “My powers are not a gift, but a curse born of rage.”
The footage continues to feature the Justice Society (Atom Smasher, Hawkman, Cyclone, and Dr. Fate) as they try to stop Black Adam before he can cause more destruction. “I was a slave before I died,” says Black Adam.
Also missing from Warner Bros Hall H were any teases for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and 2023’s The Flash. The studio still has the virtual DC FanDome, so it’s likely we’ll see more there.