A recent report from Variety details some of the chaos surrounding the latest DC release, Black Adam, and some of the behind-the-scenes issues that plagued the project.
The report notes that prior to James Gunn and Peter Safran taking over as co-CEOs of the now-DC Studios, it was actually Dwayne Johnson who pitched a future for the DC Universe. According to the report, Johnson “directly pitched” a multiyear plan to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav that involved Black Adam and Superman (played by Henry Cavill) that would have led to a Black Adam vs. Superman showdown.
Despite the fact that the meeting occurred during a “power vacuum” at DC — former DC head Walter Hamada and Warner Bros. film chief Toby Emmerich were preparing to leave at the time — many didn’t like the fact that Johnson did it, with one source noting “Dwayne went around everyone, which didn’t sit well.” Elsewhere in the report, it’s mentioned that Johnson’s relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery had begun “wearing thin” well before the premiere and subsequent disappointing box office results of Black Adam.
The report mentions that Johnson had pushed for a producing credit on the animated film DC League of Super-Pets, which he starred in alongside Kevin Hart. However, Johnson did little to promote the film despite asking to be a producer. The report goes on to note that Johnson also “insisted” on having a tequila bar at the New York premiere of Black Adam, featuring his Teremana brand, despite the film being rated PG-13.
According to one insider in the report, “His demands increased, and the returns just weren’t there,” which might not have led to his role within the DC Universe shrinking but likely didn’t help.
