Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About His Biggest Regret Over ‘Black Adam’ – And It’s Not What You Think

Dwayne Johnson’s journey with Black Adam has been a significant chapter in his career, marked by a decade-long development process, passion for the character, and a deep commitment to bringing DC’s anti-hero to life. Despite the film’s mixed box-office reception and underwhelming critical response, Johnson remains steadfast in his dedication to the project. However, there has been a notable point of frustration that could be considered his “one regret” surrounding the film—a sentiment not about the movie’s production or performance, but rather about what could have been with a sequel that never came to fruition.

A Decade in the Making

Johnson’s involvement with Black Adam dates back over ten years, when he was first linked to the role during the early stages of a Shazam! movie. His vision was always to give Black Adam a standalone film, believing that combining the origins of both characters into one story would do a disservice to each. Johnson was deeply invested in crafting a new kind of superhero film, describing the project as “the Dirty Harry of superheroes” (via Den of Geek). His passion for the character, Teth-Adam, was evident throughout the film’s production, and he worked closely with director Jaume Collet-Serra to bring his version of Black Adam to life.

The film was released in October 2022, introducing the Justice Society of America alongside Johnson’s portrayal of the demigod with complex moral boundaries. Despite an enthusiastic response from some fans, the film faced box office challenges, especially when compared to other established superhero franchises like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Johnson responded to these comparisons on X (formerly Twitter), defending Black Adam’s standing by noting that it was a newer brand compared to the globally recognized Black Panther and its rich legacy (Dwayne Johnson X post).

The Regret Johnson Doesn’t Have

When asked about his feelings regarding Black Adam’s commercial performance and its mixed reception, Johnson has been clear in his response: he doesn’t regret his involvement in the film. In a 2023 interview with Men’s Journal, he reflected on the intense physical transformation he underwent for the role, calling the training process “the most arduous I’ve ever done in my life.” Despite the film’s struggles at the box office, Johnson stated, “I’ve been one lucky son of a bitch” and emphasized that he had no regrets about giving his all to the project (via Koimoi).

This sentiment is consistent across various media sources. Fandomwire noted that Johnson didn’t regret the personal sacrifice and dedication he put into Black Adam, even though the movie didn’t perform as expected. His pride in his physical transformation and the character’s impact is evident in his public statements, with Johnson focusing more on what the movie represented in terms of pushing boundaries in the superhero genre rather than lamenting any perceived failures.

Frustration Over Sequel Plans

While Johnson has made it clear that he doesn’t regret the movie itself, there is a notable point of frustration regarding Black Adam‘s future. Following the film’s release, discussions about a sequel and possible crossovers, including a much-anticipated showdown with Superman, stirred excitement among fans. However, after James Gunn and Peter Safran took over the reins of DC Studios, plans for a Black Adam sequel were shelved, leading to disappointment on Johnson’s part. His frustration was compounded by the broader restructuring of the DC Universe, which left Black Adam‘s future uncertain.

Although Johnson never explicitly called this a regret, his public reaction to the cancellation of the sequel suggests a deep sense of missed opportunity. According to Fandomwire, Johnson was frustrated by the sudden changes, especially after years of hard work to build Black Adam’s presence in the cinematic universe. However, it’s important to note that Johnson’s comments focus on the shifting dynamics at DC Studios and not on any personal dissatisfaction with the film itself.

Creative Choices and Public Perception

The film also sparked some controversy, particularly around Black Adam’s willingness to kill, a departure from the more traditional moral boundaries of most superheroes. Johnson was vocal in defending this aspect of his character, stating that Black Adam was willing to “cross the line” in ways that other costumed heroes would not (via The Direct). This more ruthless portrayal of a superhero resonated with some fans but was critiqued by others. Despite these differing opinions, there is no indication that Johnson regrets this creative decision. Instead, he saw it as a crucial part of the character’s complexity, a theme he felt was important to explore in Black Adam.

The Bigger Picture: No Regret for the Role, but Frustration with the Future

While there’s no concrete evidence that Dwayne Johnson regrets his role in Black Adam, there is a clear sense of frustration regarding the future of the character in the DC Universe. The movie’s commercial failure and the subsequent shelving of its sequel reflect a disappointing turn of events for Johnson, especially after he had invested so much into the project. However, his continued pride in his performance and his belief in the character’s potential demonstrate that any regret he may feel is more about missed opportunities than any shortcomings of the film itself.

In the grand scope of his career, Black Adam remains a significant, albeit complicated, chapter for Johnson. While it may not have been the commercial success he hoped for, the film’s lasting impact on the DC Universe—and Johnson’s own professional trajectory—cannot be understated. Whether or not he ever revisits the role, the journey to bring Black Adam to life will remain a defining moment in his career.