Dwayne Johnson dropped as Black Adam in latest DC shakeup

James Gunn is not messing around

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has announced he will no longer be playing Black Adam, as James Gunn continues to shake things up in the DC Universe (DCU). Johnson recently unfollowed both Warner Bros. and Black Adam on Instagram and turned down a cameo in Shazam 2, The Gamer reports. Now, he has confirmed that his time as Black Adam in the DCU has been short-lived. In a statement, Johnson explains that after talking with James Gunn, he was told that the character of Black Adam will "not be in their first chapter of storytelling." He also claimed that DC will continue working with the character to explore ways to potentially bring the character to "future DC multiverse chapters," although it's unlikely Johnson will return to play the character. [caption id="attachment_371436" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Johnson brought Black Adam to the big screen, but it doesn't sound like he'll be part of the superhero's next chapter (Getty)[/caption] "James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling," reads Johnson's statement. "However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters. "James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed. It's no different now, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG. "You guys know me, and I have a very thick skin - and you can always count on me to be direct with my words. These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lense." https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1605324156459012096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1605324156459012096%7Ctwgr%5Efae9c98c53255d6cbaff5611720c06d71b05bb38%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegamer.com%2Fdwayne-the-rock-johnson-dropped-black-adam%2F New DC Films head James Gunn has wasted no time in making his mark on the studio. The announcement about Black Adam's future comes just days after the director decided Henry Cavill would not be making a much-anticipated return as Superman. Last week, the actor confirmed his time as the superhero is officially over, just two months after he announced he was returning as the Man of Steel. Cavill even made a a cameo appearance as Superman at the end of Warner Bros. Black Adam, teasing a showdown between Superman and Dwayne Johnson's anti-hero.

In a post on Instagram, the British actor wrote: "I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman.

"After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life.

"The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build."

"I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes," he added.

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