WHILE the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seemingly cracked the code to successful franchise building, the same cannot be said about DC.
In an attempt to create a more cohesive DC superhero universe, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn and Warner Bros producer Peter Safran have been installed as new chiefs of DC Studios.
Part of the pair’s first move as head of studio is reshaping the entire DC slate, with projects such as Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel sequel and Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 being scrapped indefinitely.
Dwayne Johnson, in a recent tweet, confirmed that he has connected with James Gunn, and plans for a sequel will not be moving forward anytime soon.
“James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling,” Johnson wrote in a statement. “However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilised in future DC multiverse chapters.”
Gunn shared his own statement responding, “Love @TheRock & I’m always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can’t wait to collaborate soon.”
Black Adam, released in October, has been Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson's passion project for the past 15 years.
Ahead of its release, the actor touted plans to develop his own corner of the DC Universe centered on Black Adam characters, and was even rumored to being considered to take over the helm at DC.
However, Black Adam disappointed at the box office with a mere US$391 million globally and earned poor reviews. Johnson had not publicly commented on the hiring of Gunn and Safran with many industry analysts pointing to underlying tension between the two camps.
However, Johnson noted that the two have a good relationship.
“James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed,” Johnson wrote Tuesday. “It’s no different now, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG.” – The Vibes, December 27, 2022
Black Adam⚡️ pic.twitter.com/b7ZbCJZxBw
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 20, 2022
