The Rock says Black Adam is part of Phase 1 in "our DC Universe"

Black Adam movie still
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has heavily hinted that Black Adam will be the starting point for a new DC era, describing his upcoming superhero movie as "phase 1 of storytelling" in "our DC Universe."

"#BlackAdam will serve as our phase 1 of storytelling in our DC Universe. Exciting times for the brand to build up and build out," Johnson said on Twitter. Prior to Black Adam, the DCEU was a self-contained cinematic universe involving Henry Cavill’s Superman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, and more.

The Rock had previously suggested that his electrifying anti-hero could even take on the likes of Superman in future DC adventures. "The most powerful and unstoppable force in the entire universe has been on the side lines for too long,'' Johnson told Jake’s Takes.

He’s also been vocal about Black Adam marking the start of a new story: "So this is the beginning – hopefully, fingers crossed – of a very long storytelling road, where Black Adam is the anchoring jet fuel now, that will then push and press this universe out," Johnson revealed in an interview with Total Film.

There’s every chance that could happen. Early reactions have called Black Adam "the best superhero movie of 2022." If it lives up to the hype, we could be looking at Black Adam propelling the DC Universe to new heights.

Black Adam, starring Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Pierce Brosnan, and Sarah Shahi, is set for release on October 21. For more on what else DC is cooking up, check out all the new superhero movies coming your way very soon. Need a primer on Black Adam? Here’s what you need to know about Black Adam’s comic book history and powers, plus the lowdown on Black Adam’s incoming superteam, The Justice Society.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.