Black Adam (2022), directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, is a dark, action-packed addition to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Starring Dwayne Johnson in the titular role, the film explores the origin, wrath, and moral ambiguity of one of DC’s most powerful antiheroes.
Detailed Summary
The Birth of a Legend: Kahndaq’s Champion
The movie opens in the ancient city of Kahndaq, a place enslaved by a tyrant king who seeks to forge a mystical crown powered by demonic magic. A young slave boy leads a rebellion and is granted the powers of the gods by the Council of Wizards — becoming the champion of Kahndaq: Teth-Adam.
However, the tale is shrouded in myth. Centuries later, the story picks up with modern-day Kahndaq, now occupied by a mercenary group called Intergang, which exploits its people in search of the Crown of Sabbac — the same dark relic from the past.
Awakening the Antihero
Archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) discovers the crown during her expedition but accidentally awakens Teth-Adam, who has been imprisoned for thousands of years. His arrival is violent and destructive — he annihilates the Intergang soldiers with godlike power. The world takes notice, and so does Amanda Waller, who sends the Justice Society of America (JSA) to handle the situation.
The Justice Society Arrives
The JSA team — Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) — arrives in Kahndaq to confront Black Adam. What follows is a spectacular display of power as the two sides clash. Despite their efforts, it becomes clear that Black Adam is nearly unstoppable.
But the real conflict isn’t between heroes and villains; it’s between vengeance and justice. Through flashbacks, we learn that the young boy who became the original champion was actually Adam’s son, Hurut. After Hurut gave his powers to save his father, he was killed, and in his rage, Adam wiped out the king’s army. The Wizards deemed him too dangerous and imprisoned him.
The Rise of Sabbac
Meanwhile, the Intergang leader Ishmael Gregor reveals himself to be a descendant of the ancient king of Kahndaq. He sacrifices himself and is resurrected as Sabbac, a demonic being powered by the forces of Hell. Sabbac begins his reign of terror, threatening to destroy Kahndaq entirely.
The JSA struggles to contain him, but it’s Doctor Fate who realizes that only Black Adam has the strength to defeat Sabbac. In a powerful and emotional scene, Doctor Fate sacrifices himself to free Adam, using his mystical powers to communicate telepathically and unlock Adam’s prison.
Movie Ending
Freed once more, Black Adam accepts his true identity and returns to Kahndaq to face Sabbac. In a massive final battle, Sabbac unleashes demonic energy and armies of the undead. The JSA fights valiantly, but it’s Adam who delivers the killing blow — tearing Sabbac in half with raw divine fury.
After the battle, Adam destroys the throne of Kahndaq, refusing to rule as king. Instead, he vows to protect the people on his own terms. Hawkman and the remaining JSA members acknowledge that while Adam is dangerous, he’s also the protector Kahndaq needs.
The final moments show Amanda Waller warning Adam that if he ever leaves Kahndaq, she’ll send beings “not of this world” after him. Adam smirks and replies, “There’s no one on this planet who can stop me.” Waller’s final warning, and Adam’s defiant tone, perfectly set up the film’s post-credits scene.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes — and it’s a big one.
In the post-credits scene, Superman (Henry Cavill) appears, descending from the sky to confront Black Adam in the ruins of Kahndaq. He calmly says, “It’s been a while since anyone’s made the world this nervous.” Adam simply smirks — the film cuts to black, teasing a potential showdown between the two titans.
Unfortunately, due to later DCEU restructuring, this teased crossover was never continued — but it remains one of the most talked-about DC post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
Black Adam is a superhero action-adventure film with strong fantasy and mythological elements. It’s also a redemption story about power, vengeance, and responsibility — though told through the lens of an antihero rather than a classic hero.
Cast
- Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam / Teth-Adam
- Aldis Hodge as Carter Hall / Hawkman
- Pierce Brosnan as Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate
- Sarah Shahi as Adrianna Tomaz
- Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher
- Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone
- Marwan Kenzari as Ishmael Gregor / Sabbac
- Viola Davis as Amanda Waller
- Henry Cavill as Superman (cameo appearance)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Lorne Balfe, known for his epic, percussion-heavy themes. The soundtrack mixes Middle Eastern musical motifs with thundering orchestral power, emphasizing Adam’s godlike presence and the movie’s mythic scale.
Filming Locations
Filming primarily took place in Georgia, USA, especially in Atlanta and Fayetteville’s Trilith Studios, with additional scenes shot in Los Angeles. Most of Kahndaq’s landscapes were created using large-scale sets and visual effects, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern architecture and desert environments to emphasize the city’s ancient and mystical atmosphere.
Awards and Nominations
While Black Adam didn’t receive major awards, it earned recognition for its visual effects and sound design in several industry nominations. It was also praised by fans for Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal of Doctor Fate, widely regarded as one of the DCEU’s standout performances.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Dwayne Johnson spent over a decade trying to bring Black Adam to the big screen, insisting the character deserved his own film rather than being introduced as a villain in Shazam!.
- The actor trained extensively to achieve his sculpted, almost statue-like physique, and refused to wear muscle padding in the costume.
- Pierce Brosnan’s Doctor Fate helmet was fully CGI — he wore a motion-capture headpiece for most scenes.
- The film used over 1,400 visual effects shots, particularly in the final battle sequence.
- The creative team initially planned for a darker tone but lightened it to match mainstream superhero expectations.
Inspirations and References
The movie draws directly from DC Comics’ “The Power of Shazam!” and “JSA” series, reimagining Black Adam as both a fallen hero and protector of Kahndaq. It also references ancient mythology, with the seven demons of Sabbac inspired by the seven deadly sins of Mesopotamian lore.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Some deleted scenes included extended versions of Black Adam’s imprisonment and a longer introduction to the JSA members. An early draft featured a more violent final battle, but it was trimmed to secure a PG-13 rating. Additionally, an alternate ending reportedly showed Adam ascending to Kahndaq’s throne before destroying it — this version was shortened in the final cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While not based on a specific book, Black Adam draws heavily from DC Comics storylines, particularly:
Compared to the comics, the movie softens Adam’s ruthlessness and focuses more on his role as a liberator rather than a conqueror.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Black Adam’s resurrection and first battle against Intergang.
- The JSA’s first encounter with Adam — a dynamic aerial fight in the streets of Kahndaq.
- Doctor Fate’s sacrifice to save Hawkman and summon Adam.
- The final battle against Sabbac and Adam’s brutal finishing move.
Iconic Quotes
- Black Adam: “I kneel before no one.”
- Doctor Fate: “The future is not set in stone.”
- Hawkman: “Heroes don’t kill people.”
- Black Adam: “Well, I do.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The movie subtly references Shazam through the Wizard’s sigil and lightning motifs.
- Amanda Waller’s communication network includes nods to other DC heroes, such as The Flash and Batman.
- The prison where Adam is kept looks strikingly similar to Belle Reve, seen in The Suicide Squad.
- The seven statues in the Rock of Eternity represent the original Council of Wizards.
Trivia
- Dwayne Johnson personally selected the line “I kneel before no one,” considering it essential to Adam’s philosophy.
- The film’s production budget reportedly exceeded $200 million, making it one of DC’s most expensive films.
- Pierce Brosnan’s son served as his stylist for the movie.
- The film marked Henry Cavill’s surprise return as Superman — his last official appearance in the DCEU.
Why Watch?
If you love powerful antiheroes, mythological storytelling, and epic visual effects, Black Adam is worth your time. It’s a film that challenges the traditional hero narrative, filled with explosive action, charismatic performances, and enough moral ambiguity to keep the story compelling.
Director’s Other Movies
- Jungle Cruise (2021)
- The Shallows (2016)
- Non-Stop (2014)
- Orphan (2009)
