Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson discussed the lack of a sequel for the film “Black Adam” in a recent clip from their show “Hart to Heart” on Peacock. Hart mentioned the film’s successful opening and the demand from the fan base, wondering why it didn’t receive a follow-up.
Johnson responded by explaining that “Black Adam” faced challenges due to changes in leadership and the impact of Covid-related stoppages. He emphasized the influence of new leaders in making decisions that may not align with the creative vision or philosophies of others involved.
Last December, Johnson revealed on social media that “Black Adam” wouldn’t be included in the first phase of DC’s new plans. However, he expressed optimism about exploring future opportunities for the character in the DC multiverse. The decision was attributed to the creative lens of James Gunn and DC leadership.
The interview with Hart also referenced the decision by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, David Zaslav, to cancel the nearly-completed “Batgirl” film, which had a production cost of $60 million-$70 million.
Johnson expressed his puzzlement over why “Black Adam” wasn’t included in the new DC universe, considering its successful performance and other positive aspects despite the challenges it faced, such as the absence of a release in China.
The actor highlighted the questions raised by both Wall Street and Hollywood regarding the decision. He pointed out the potential for expanding the franchise, especially by reintroducing Henry Cavill as Superman and the creation of a diverse superhero portfolio.
Johnson ultimately accepted that, as business-oriented individuals, he and Hart prioritize the audience’s interests. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced when decision-makers don’t view opportunities through the lens of creating fresh and appealing content for the audience.
Using a sports analogy, Johnson compared the situation to a new team owner wanting to put their stamp on a franchise, disregarding previous successes and disregarding the desires of fans.
Despite the disappointment of not getting a “Black Adam” sequel, Johnson remains focused on keeping the main thing the main thing and delivering quality content to the audience.