From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure, Black Adam. The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC antihero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (Jungle Cruise).
In ancient Kahndaq, the slave Teth Adam (Johnson) was gifted the almighty powers of the gods. But he used those powers for vengeance and was imprisoned. Now, 5,000 years later, he is freed and once again wields his dark sense of justice onto the world. Refusing to surrender, Teth Adam is challenged by a team of modern-day heroes known as the Justice Society— Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone—who seek to return him to eternal captivity.
The hierarchy of the DCEU is about to change, and to celebrate the release of Black Adam – in Australian cinemas October 20 – I had the opportunity to attend the virtual press junket for the film, and hear from Dwayne Johnson, Pierce Brosnan and the cast of Black Adam!
Dwayne, what are some of the attributes you share yourself, with Black Adam?
Dwayne Johnson: Aside from flying… and shooting electricity out of my hands [laughs]. I would say conviction and passion. Black Adam is a pretty passionate guy about what he believes in. And it was truly an honour to play him and deliver him to the world. But I also want to acknowledge that not only was it an honour for me to play Black Adam, but it was an honour to make this film with this group and introduce the JSA to the world. As many of you out there would know, the JSA was the very first superhero group, even before the Justice League. So, I gotta give it up for them.
And Aldis, can you talk about what it was like to play the iconic Hawkman?
Aldis Hodge: Oh, it was fantastic! Stepping into this being a comic book fan myself—I have a great love for the entire world of superheroes. When it come to the JSA, when it comes to DC, they got me into this game as a kid. I know how much the fans love the deeply rooted nature of who this character is, and it was a privilege and responsibility to step into these shoes.
For Noah, what was your preparation like in transition from the young adult, romantic lead, into becoming Atom Smasher?
Noah Centineo: I think you just approach it like any other role. You do as much as you can to understand who the character is, and with Atom Smasher specifically, he comes from pedigree of superpowers. His uncle, his grandfather even being a villain. And with that comes expectations and pressure that he has on him. I got to show up with this incredible cast and it’s turned into a family who just let it all go and trust everyone around you.
Sarah, how exciting was it for you to be portraying this really strong female character and holding your own in scenes toe-to-toe with Dwayne?
Sarah Shahi: It’s a real honour to portray Adrianna! I’m paired up with these very glossy and strong superheroes a lot of the time, but for me to be able to play the common person who is literally fighting everyday for freedom, that resonates pretty deeply in me.
And acting across from DJ is great because he wants everyone on set to win. He leads with that, and was so selfless and giving by sharing the stage with everybody. I just feel like somebody of his calibre, with the power he wields – it’s not normal to be that accessible and willing to help others.
What was it for you, Quintessa, about the role of Cyclone, and the female empowerment that comes with it, that you liked most?
Quintessa Swindell: The thing that stuck out the most was how unique she was, and how open Jaume [Collet-Serra, director] and our producers were to the idea of making her, herself. There wasn’t any stereotypes that was attached to this young female character. It’s the first time she can amplify who she has worked on to become, and step into her dream. Cyclone comes from a lineage of superheroes and there’s this idea of how much I can match the person who’s come before me. It becomes this journey of self-realisation and self-exploration which really inspired me.
And Pierce, your entry into the world of superheroes feels long overdue! What was it about Black Adam and specifically Dr. Fate that fit you?
Pierce Brosnan: I have wanted to be in a superhero movie for many years and I think the timing was perfect for me. Dr. Fate met me at a good time in life. I have the experience of life that I have lived and I really enjoyed playing him so enormously. Every day was a joy to go to work with my fellow actors here, and we did become a family. Jaume [Collet-Serra] created such a wonderful arena for us to all do our best work.
But Dr. Fate is one of the oldest characters in DC Comics. He’s a sorcerer, but first and foremost, he is a man, he’s Kent Nelson. He’s an archaeologist and his entry into this world came through the sacrifice of his father’s death. This is a man who see the future, he sees death and people dying. And when you have that subtext in your characters DNA, as an actor you can make it very personal. I enjoyed playing him enormously.
Thank you to the cast of Black Adam for their time, and thank you to Warner
Bros. for the opportunity to chat with them! Black Adam is in Australian cinemas
from October 20.
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