The much-awaited trailer for the DCU’s Black Adam released last week starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. From the short trailer, we learned a little bit about what we can expect from the next film from DC. Let’s take a look at what we know about the character Black Adam, as well as what we learned from the trailer. 

The Origin of Black Adam 

Black Adam first appeared all the way back in 1945 in the pages of the Marvel Family by Fawcett Comics. He was then known as Teth-Adam, an apprentice of the wizard Shazam. He was given the very power that would eventually be wielded by Captain Marvel. However, the Mighty Adam quickly became corrupted by that power and was banished by Shazam to the most distant star in the universe. 5,000 years later, Black Adam returned to Earth to get revenge on the Marvel Family. He failed in his attempt, and was seemingly killed. However, Black Adam was reborn in DC Comics in 1973. Since then, he has been portrayed as both a hero and a villain, which is something that the trailer for the new movie heavily plays upon. 

I Kneel Before No One 

The Black Adam trailer contained plenty of surprises, but it also didn’t give away too much about the story. Here’s what we know. The film revolves around the idea that Black Adam is neither a hero or a villain. The trailer implies that he has not yet made his choice. A supporting cast of characters provide a moral compass for Adam in the trailer. Among them is Dr. Fate, who is played by Pierce Brosnan. In the opening of the trailer, Dr. Fate asks Adam: “What have your powers ever given to you? Nothing but heartache.” We then learn a bit of Adam’s tragic backstory, including the death of his son. Following his son’s death, Adam vows: “I kneel before no one.” 

In This World, There are Heroes and There are Villains. 

The trailer contains cameos from several other DC characters outside of Brosnan’s Dr. Fate. Famed heroes Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) also make appearances. In the middle of the trailer, Hawkman attempts to reason with Black Adam, proclaiming “In this world, there are heroes and there are villains. Heroes don’t kill people.” to which Adam simply responds “Well I do.” At first glance, this film looks to be a great entry into DC’s cinematic universe, and could provide a much-needed boost to it! Check out the trailer here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STyZP3S-jN8