On Wednesday night, Black Adam made its debut after spending 15 years in development, holding its global premiere in Times Square.
According to Dwayne Johnson, the DC movie is a lifelong fantasy of his. He told THR about donning his (not-muscle-padded) costume for the first time. Johnson plays the eponymous antihero who is freed into contemporary times after 5,000 years of incarceration.
I simply looked in the mirror, and it was incredibly humbling because I worked so hard to get this movie completed and keep it on schedule. On the red carpet, Johnson reflected, “Fifteen hard years, and here we are. “On the first day, I was thankful before leaving my trailer: ‘Thank you, God; thank you, universe; let’s get to work.’ When I get on set and meet our director, Jaume Collet-Serra, I begin by asking him about the scenario before looking up. About 20 feet distant, as I glance up, I see the whole cast of the Justice Society of America (the JSA) dressed in their costumes, all of them are approaching Jaume and me while standing there. I was astounded. Because everything began to crystallize at that very instant, I will never forget it.
This is the reason, he said, “if you believe in something you’re so passionate about, remain on course.” Johnson was adamant about his dedication to the undertaking. Stay on track, stay on course, stay on course, and keep fighting for something if you believe in it because people will try to sway you off it. I engaged in combat before unexpectedly spotting the JSA. That is the rationale. I’m fortunate to have those performers, very fortunate.
Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Quintessa Swindell, Marwan Kenzari, and Pierce Brosnan are all featured in the movie. The latter portrays Doctor Fate, a member of the JSA.
When he received the invitation to join the cast, Brosnan described Black Adam as “a beast of a picture, a feast of a film,” adding, “I was just genuinely extremely touched and so delighted by it.” I frequently pondered whether I would be considered for and possibly land a part in one of these films. And this exceeds my greatest expectations.
Johnson was a scary opponent for the actors who had to compete with him because of his muscles, which are comparable to those of most on-screen superheroes. Hodge, who portrays Hawkman, quipped that once he won the part, “You get in the gym right away and you get your body ready. A few months before we began filming, I joined the stunt squad and trained with them every day from four in the morning until four in the afternoon.
Hodge was “flung through a room in a building, thrown on a car, and dumped from 50 feet in the air” during one of their many on-screen fights, but despite their numerous on-screen conflicts, they regarded each other as comrades. When asked whom he would want to see Hawkman team up with next from the DC Universe, Hodge responded, “I certainly want to bring in Mr. Amazing Because his background is terrific — and then also Hawkgirl.” On the red carpet, Centineo also shared his respect for Johnson, saying, “He is not that. Many people in his position of celebrity and influence in Hollywood would feel like everyone owes them something. He cherishes everyone for their contribution, no matter how tiny, and he has time for you and everyone else. And for that, I have so much admiration and gratitude.
Collet-Serra praised Johnson, saying that “his passion has inspired me personally, his work ethic, and has pushed us — not only me but everyone involved in this movie, to produce a film that meets his exacting standards since they are the highest standards possible. Producers Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Dany Garcia spoke on stage at the ceremony to thank the actors and crew. Johnson was described as “the only actual superhero to portray a superhero” by the speaker.
Oct. 21 marks the release of Black Adam.