Controversy seems to follow Dwayne Johnson lately, particularly due to his inability to make a significant impact within the DCEU. The announcement of Black Adam in 2007 had fans excited, especially with the A-list star’s commitment to the project from the get-go. Johnson made grand promises that would forever alter the course of the DC universe, even hinting at a Black Adam vs. Superman showdown in the post-credits scene of the 2022 film.
Despite Johnson’s best efforts, Black Adam failed to impress, and the film ultimately flopped at the box office. This was a tough pill to swallow for Johnson, who is known for being a box office magnet. Furthermore, Black Adam‘s failure dealt a significant blow to his brand. His alleged behind-the-scenes antics haven’t exactly portrayed the 50-year-old in a favorable light either. While Johnson’s reported power play over the DC brand may have impacted Black Adam‘s story, he cannot be held responsible for Shazam! Fury of the Gods‘s box office failure.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods Struggled to Stand Out Among Superhero Films
The first Shazam! was a delightful movie, offering a fun origin story that brought the DC character to life. However, Shazam! arrived a decade too late. The DC hero, once a pillar of the comics and even outselling Superman and Batman, was largely overshadowed by the focus on the Caped Crusader and Man of Steel. While Shazam has unique qualities that set him apart, his origin story feels all too familiar.
The crux of the problem lies in the oversaturation of the superhero genre. Shazam! Fury of the Gods needed a compelling reason for audiences to flock to theaters. It didn’t help that James Gunn and Peter Safran essentially informed audiences that the sequel had no connection to the rebooted DCU. The trailer showcased the clichéd “villains taking over the world” plot, which has been overdone. Shazam! Fury of the Gods would have benefited from a more personal approach, delving into the protagonist’s backstory. While not a terrible film, it failed to meet expectations.
A Justice Society Cameo Wouldn’t Have Saved Shazam! Fury of the Gods
The introduction of the Justice Society in Black Adam was commendable, with Pierce Brosnan‘s Doctor Fate being a standout. Rumors suggest Dwayne Johnson prevented the JSA from appearing in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. However, their inclusion likely wouldn’t have made a difference. The Justice Society failed to generate much excitement among audiences, primarily because they were haphazardly thrown into Black Adam without a proper introduction.
Viewers didn’t have the opportunity to truly connect with these characters, as they were virtually unknown in mainstream media until Black Adam. Interestingly, the Justice Society of America predates the Justice League, but live-action and animated films have primarily focused on the latter. The Justice Society needed a proper introduction to captivate moviegoers, as they currently feel like a watered-down version of the more popular Justice League. It’s peculiar that the JSA appears when Amanda Waller has access to the Justice League, as seen in the finale of Peacemaker, with Henry Cavill making a cameo on Waller’s behalf in the post-credits scene.
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