First Reactions To Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam Movie Are A Big Surprise

The early reactions to Dwayne Johnson and Black Adam are overwhelmingly positive.

By Joshua Jones | Published

The first reactions to Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam have arrived, and it looks like the next DC mega-blockbuster could be a hit. While the official review embargo lifts next week, social media reactions have flooded online. For the most part, critics seemed pleasantly surprised about how much action there is in the film.

The marketing for Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam has highlighted the Rock’s confrontation with the Justice Society of America (JSA). Pierce Brosnan’s Doctor Fate asks the anti-hero of the DC universe at one point whether he will be the savior or destroyer of the world. Black Adam has traditionally been a dangerous foe to Shazam and Superman.

Although fans of the upcoming superhero flick are excited to see Dwayne Johnson finally take on the role of Black Adam, critics are mostly given praise to two members of the JSA. Brosnan’s Doctor Fate and Aldis Hodge’s Hawkman have gotten the most attention from the New York premiere on Wednesday. Erik Davis noted in his reaction after seeing the film that he “loved” Hodge’s Hawkman and Brosnan’s Doctor Fate.

Critics are also pointing out the intense action in the DC flick. The film seems to move at a quick pace and doesn’t relent. Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam appears at the center of some impressive fight sequences that may rival Zack Snyder’s previous works in the DCEU.

Of course, there is much speculation regarding the post-credit scene. Dwayne Johnson confirmed that a familiar DC hero would make their presence known at the end of Black Adam. According to one review, the post-credit scene will have fans of the DCEU very excited about what the future holds.

However, it’s not all good news for Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam. Some of the reactions suggest the film lacks emotional depth. Others claimed the movie’s main villain was weak and that the script needed much work.

It’s difficult to tell how Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam will fit into Warner Bros. Discovery’s overall plans for the DCEU, considering that we don’t even know whether Warner Bros. will remain its own studio within the next few years. Rumors are suggesting Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is planning on selling the company to Comcast. This is evidenced by the fact that the company has fired many of its staff during the past few weeks.

Although Johnson has stated that Black Adam will serve as the start of a brand new era in the DCEU, Zaslav and the company may have other plans. The early opening weekend box office projections for the movie are solid enough that they could convince those in charge to continue with what the film looks to be setting up. It all depends on the status of Warner Bros. in the next few years and how fans react to the upcoming movie.

Regardless, Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam appears to be a non-stop action thrill ride that showcases the actor’s biggest strengths and introduces new exciting characters within the expanding DCEU. The film is set to release in theaters on October 21st.