When Warner Bros. and DC Comics announced Shazam and Black Adam were getting their own movie, many fans weren't sure what to expect. Formerly, Shazam was known as Captain Marvel and his greatest foe was Black Adam. Think of Superman and General Zod and you are almost there.
However, Warner Bros. then cast former WWE champion Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to play Black Adam instead of Shazam and the questions started to arise. Now, The Rock is saying the villain is actually a hero but is "ruthless" in the upcoming DC Comics movie.
Who is Shazam?
Most of the comic book reading world knew Shazam as Captain Marvel.
There was even a Saturday morning cartoon that featured him. Shazam is* Billy Batson, a young boy who is granted the power of Shazam -- which stands for Solomon (wisdom), Hercules (strength), Atlas (stamina), Zeus (power), Achilles (courage), and Mercury (speed). He has the powers of a God. However, he is a child and that is where the unique presence of Shazam stands out from the rest of the DC Comics movie world.
Who is Black Adam?
For many years, Black Adam was simply the main villain of Shazam. The closest comparison is in Green Lantern comics, where Sinestro is the bad guy version of Green Lantern. In Shazam comics, he has the same powers as Shazam but is evil. However, things changed in the year-long comics miniseries from 2006-2007 called "52." In that series, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman all left for a year and that left minor heroes at the center of attention.
The best story during that year was that of Black Adam. He ruled his own country and fiercely protected them. However, governments around the world did not trust him and eventually betrayed him, killing his family, and setting off World War III. It was a great story because he was the victim that simply struck back when attacked.
The Rock as Black Adam
At this point in his career, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson can do almost anything he wants. However, it will be impossible for movie fans to hate him, even if he plays a bad guy. That makes a character like this so perfect for him, especially if they keep the character an anti-hero who wants to help his people but finds the world against him.
In a recent YouTube Q&A with fans, The Rock called Black Adam a "ruthless" hero to people who have a black heart like he does. That quote alone makes "Shazam" one of the most intriguing DC Comics movies in the works.
