The Rock
The Rock and Black Adam (the one strangling Shazam). Reuters / DC Comics

Dwayne Johnson has confirmed that he will be joining Warner Bros and DC Comics' film universe as Black Adam.

Johnson, aka The Rock, made the announcement in a tweet following months of speculation, rumours and teases.


Earlier today it was revealed that Warner Bros had recently registered a number of web domains hinting at potential future projects involving DC superheroes. Among them was a film backed on Shazam, a project which Johnson has now confirmed with his tweet.

In addition to this news Variety reports that the Shazam film will be written by Darren Lemke (Jack The Giant Slayer, Turbo) and that Johnson will play more of an anti-hero, who as in recent DC comics starring character is out to clear his name as a villain.

Shazam is a lesser-known DC Comics superhero with the powers of six mythological figures - Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury (guess what that spells out). His more unassuming alter ego is Bill Batson, who assumes his superhero identity when he shouts out Shazam.

Black Adam is Shazam's long-time nemesis, who is in possession of similar powers.

Johnson has been believed to be playing a part in a Shazam movie for some time, either as Shazam or Black Adam. A recent report from AP said that Johnson had yet to decide which character he wanted to portray.

Well now we know Johnson has decided to play the villain, or at least a character who is part-villain. His tweet includes the hashtag #TheAntiHero.

Warner Bros are in the process of setting up their own enormous superhero universe similar to that of Marvel Studios, who have had huge success with their Avengers series. Warner Bros began this project with Man of Steel last year and it will continue with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, followed by a Justice League movie soon after.

Other films believed to be in the pipeline include a solo Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot and an Aquaman film, which may star Jason Momoa, who has long-been rumoured to play the subaquatic hero.