50 Facts About The Movie Black Adam

Black Adam's Comic Book Origins

Black Adam's journey from comic book pages to the big screen is rich with history and complexity. Let's dive into the origins and background of this intriguing character.

1. Black Adam first appeared in The Marvel Family #1 in December 1945, created by Bill Parker, C.C. Beck, and Jerry Ordway. His debut marked the beginning of a long and tumultuous history in the DC Universe.

2. Black Adam is an ancient superhuman from Kahndaq, an ancient Egyptian city. Originally named Teth-Adam, he was the son of Pharaoh Ramses II, also known as "Ramses The Great."

3. Black Adam wields the powers of six ancient Egyptian gods: Shu (stamina), Heru (speed), Amon (strength), Zehuti (wisdom), Aton (power), and Mehen (courage). These divine abilities make him a formidable force.

4. Black Adam is neither a traditional hero nor a villain; he is an antihero. His complex moral code and willingness to crush both villains and heroes set him apart from other characters in the DC Universe.

The Movie's Release and Box Office Performance

The 2022 film "Black Adam" starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson brought this iconic character to life on the big screen. Let's explore the movie's release and its performance at the box office.

5. The film was released on October 21, 2022, in the United States and Canada, alongside "Ticket to Paradise" and "The Banshees of Inisherin."

6. Black Adam grossed $168.2 million in the U.S. and Canada, and $225.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $393.3 million. This impressive performance highlights the character's popularity.

7. The film made $26.7 million on its first day, including $7.6 million from Thursday night previews, besting the opening day of "Shazam" ($20.4 million). It went on to gross $67 million during the opening weekend, the highest of Johnson's leading career, while also ranking first at the box office.

8. In its sophomore weekend, the film dropped 59% to $27.5 million, remaining in the first position. This drop is typical for blockbuster films but still shows strong audience interest.

9. During the third weekend, the film grossed $18.3 million, for a drop of 33%. The film continued to perform well despite competition from other releases.

10. In the fourth weekend, it earned $8.1 million for a drop of 56%, while being displaced from the first position by "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." The competition from another major superhero film impacted its box office standing.

Critical Reception and Accolades

"Black Adam" received mixed reviews from critics, but it also garnered several accolades. Let's delve into the critical reception and the awards the film received.

11. Rachel LaBonte of Screen Rant gave it 2.5 out of 5, stating that though it suffered from repetitive plot beats and thin characters, "Black Adam" was powered by Johnson's performance and its promise of an exciting future.

12. Alonso Duralde of TheWrap called it a "muddled, overstuffed origin story" and criticized the visual effects and editing. Despite these critiques, the film still found an audience.

13. Despite the mixed reviews, "Black Adam" received several accolades. It was nominated for the Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Male for Quintessa Swindell, and won the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards for Favorite Movie and Favorite Movie Actor for Dwayne Johnson.

Visual Effects and Budget

The film's visual effects and budget were significant talking points. Let's explore the criticisms and financial aspects of "Black Adam."

14. The special effects and CGI in "Black Adam" were criticized for being godawful and unappealing, similar to those in "The Flash." The film's visual style was described as an endless expanse of white with precious little visual variety.

15. The film had a budget of $250 million, which was seen as excessive by some critics. Nathan Rabin noted that the high budget did not translate to a visually impressive or engaging film.

Future Teasers and Johnson's Vision

Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of Black Adam and the film's future teasers have generated significant interest. Let's look at Johnson's vision and the potential future of the character.

16. Like many superhero movies, "Black Adam" features an end credit sequence teasing future adventures with a more famous superhero. In this case, the special guest star is Henry Cavill’s Superman, who is brought in by Amanda Waller to contain Teth-Adam and tells him, "We need to talk."

17. Dwayne Johnson had envisioned a "My Dinner With Andre"-like two-hander where Black Adam and Superman dine together and discuss the absurdity of life. However, DC nixed those plans when the movie flopped.

18. Despite the film's issues, Johnson's performance was praised. He is one of the biggest winners in terms of success and physical mass, but his failed attempt at superhero immortality is a loser despite what he might insist.

Market Saturation and Audience Fatigue

The superhero movie market is experiencing saturation and audience fatigue. Let's explore how this has impacted "Black Adam" and similar films.

19. The market for superhero movies is wildly oversaturated, with too many reboots, sequels, and spin-offs involving A-list superheroes. This oversaturation has led to audience fatigue, making it harder for niche figures like Black Adam and Blue Beetle to support massive budgets.

20. Audience fatigue is reflected in the mixed reception of "Black Adam". After a decade and a half of constant releases, even the most enthusiastic comic book fans have gotten their fill and then some.

21. Niche figures like Blue Beetle and Black Adam struggle to support massive budgets. The existence of these films makes it clear that the audience for niche superheroes is too small to sustain high-budget productions.

Black Adam's Complex History and Relationships

Black Adam's history in comics is filled with complex relationships and significant events. Let's delve into some key aspects of his character and storylines.

22. Black Adam's first appearance in 1945 marked the beginning of his complex and often tumultuous history in comics. His character has been revised several times, aligning with different iterations of the DC Universe.

23. Shazam and Black Adam are inherently adversarial. Their disconnect goes beyond being on opposite sides of the coin; it is rooted in their life perspectives and responsibilities. Black Adam's divine gift gives him divine purpose, while Shazam's power, combined with his youthful naïveté, is an affront to the privilege of superior power.

24. Every iteration of Black Adam sees him suffer through traumatic events, including the murder of his family. His wife, Isis, and son, Osiris, were killed by the Four Horsemen of Apokolips, leading to a destructive streak that saw the destruction of Bialya and greater damage beyond that.

25. In Geoff Johns' JSA: Black Reign, Black Adam led a hostile takeover of his homeland, Kahndaq. He convinced some members of the Justice Society of America to join him, resulting in the execution of the Kahndaqi dictator and the slaughter of the entire military.

26. Black Adam has been a member of various superhero and supervillain teams, including the Justice Society of America, the Injustice Society, and the Suicide Squad. His membership in these teams reflects his complex and often conflicted nature.

27. In Suicide Squad #58, Black Adam partnered with Amanda Waller to raid a dangerous island. This collaboration highlights his willingness to work with others, despite his independent nature.

28. Geoff Johns' work on JSA: Black Reign significantly shaped Black Adam's character. His storylines explored Adam's volatility and his attempts to change, making peace with many superheroes, including Shazam (then known as Captain Marvel).

Integration into the DC Extended Universe

The movie integrates Black Adam into the DCEU, featuring a seemingly accurate version of the character. Let's explore how this integration impacts the broader DC Universe.

29. The movie integrates Black Adam into the DCEU, featuring a seemingly accurate version of the character. However, there are many Black Adam facts that will likely never see their way to the big screen, providing decades of stories for fans to catch up on.

30. Dwayne Johnson expressed his excitement for playing Black Adam, citing the character's backstory and intriguing nature. He believes Black Adam has always been the most intriguing superhero for him.

31. Black Adam's history in comics is rich and complex. He has been portrayed as both a hero and a villain, reflecting his antihero status. His first appearance in 1945 marked the beginning of this complex journey.

32. The DC Comics Encyclopedia notes that Black Adam's powers come from Shu (stamina), Heru (speed), Amon (strength), Zehuti (wisdom), Aton (power), and Mehen (courage). These divine powers are conveyed through the proportional challenges and decisions he confronts.

33. Black Adam operates with a strict, albeit flexible, moral code. His actions are guided by a sense of justice, but he is not married to a system of morality. This flexibility often leads to conflicting decisions and actions.

Key Plot Points and Characters

The movie features several key plot points and characters that add depth to the story. Let's explore some of these elements.

34. In the movie, Black Adam liberates Kahndaq, his homeland, but his actions are later seen as problematic by the Justice Society of America. This storyline reflects the character's complex history and his willingness to take drastic measures to achieve his goals.

35. The common enemy that Black Adam and the Justice Society face is Ishmael Gregor / Sabbac, a descendant of Ahk-Ton who gains fantastical demon powers after dying and going to hell. This character adds an element of fantasy and horror to the film.

36. Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis, plays a significant role in the film. She assists Black Adam in his raid of a dangerous island and later brings in Superman to contain Teth-Adam, highlighting her strategic and manipulative nature.

37. Pierce Brosnan portrays the mysterious Doctor Fate, who is part of the Justice Society of America. His character adds an element of mysticism and ancient knowledge to the film, reflecting his role as a powerful sorcerer.

38. The film also features Hawkman and Atom Smasher, two beloved characters from the DC Universe. Their inclusion adds depth to the story and provides opportunities for future adventures within the DCEU.

DC's New Era and Future Plans

The release of "Black Adam" marks a new era for DC in film and television. Let's explore the potential future of the character and the DCEU.

39. The release of "Black Adam" marks a new era for DC in film and television. With the transition under new leadership and potential new appointments, the future of DC's cinematic universe is filled with possibilities and uncertainties.

40. The possibility of Ben Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman returning to the DCEU adds an element of excitement and continuity to the franchise. Their inclusion could provide a bridge between different eras of the DC Universe.

41. Despite the film's mixed reception, there are plans for future adventures involving Black Adam. The end credit sequence teases a more significant role for the character in upcoming films, potentially involving Superman and other iconic superheroes.

42. Dwayne Johnson's conviction that audiences would suffer through 125 minutes of achingly dull superhero nonsense and be hungry for more is seen as delusional by some critics. This conviction reflects his dedication to the character but also highlights the challenges of maintaining audience interest in a saturated market.

43. The market for superhero movies is experiencing audience fatigue. After a decade and a half of constant releases, even the most enthusiastic comic book fans have gotten their fill and then some. This fatigue is reflected in the mixed reception of "Black Adam."

44. The potential for making up half-assed superheroes like Walrus Guy (a guy with walrus powers) and The Optimist (his power is that he always sees the glass as half full) highlights the desperation in finding new characters to make movies about. This desperation could lead to creative but unconvincing characters.

Black Adam's Destructive Streak and Moral Code

Black Adam's actions are driven by a complex moral code and a deep sense of responsibility. Let's explore some key aspects of his character and motivations.

45. Black Adam's destructive streak is a result of the traumatic event of his family's murder. This event serves as an impetus for his actions, leading to the destruction of Bialya and greater damage beyond that.

46. Black Adam dedicates himself to finding a way to bring about the resurrection of his family. This quest drives his actions and decisions, reflecting his deep emotional pain and sense of responsibility.

47. The divine nature of Black Adam's powers is conveyed through the proportional challenges and decisions he confronts. His abilities are not just physical but also moral and philosophical, reflecting the complex nature of his character.

48. In the movie, Black Adam may have to decide if humans are worthy of survival. This decision reflects his moral code and his willingness to take drastic measures to achieve his goals, highlighting the character's complexity and depth.

49. The Justice Society of America intervenes in Black Adam's actions, preventing him from taking over the world. This intervention highlights the character's potential for destruction and the need for balance in the DC Universe.

50. Despite the mixed reception, "Black Adam" has significant potential for future adventures. The end credit sequence teases a more significant role for the character in upcoming films, potentially involving Superman and other iconic superheroes, ensuring that Black Adam remains a fascinating and complex character in the DC Extended Universe.

Black Adam's Impact on the DCEU

Black Adam has carved a unique niche in the DC Extended Universe. With Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at the helm, the film brought a complex antihero to life, blending ancient mythology with modern superhero dynamics. Despite mixed reviews, Johnson's performance and the film's promise of future adventures keep fans intrigued. The movie's box office success, coupled with its critical reception, highlights the challenges and potential of superhero films in an oversaturated market. Black Adam's rich backstory, moral ambiguity, and powerful abilities make him a fascinating character, ensuring his place in future DCEU narratives. As the franchise evolves, Black Adam's role will likely expand, offering more depth and excitement to the universe. This film marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for new stories and characters in the ever-growing world of DC superheroes.