New Details on Dwayne Johnson’s Failed DCU Plans

Variety recently detailed some of the turmoil surrounding the latest DC release, Black Adam, as well as some of the behind-the-scenes issues that plagued the project. According to the report, Dwayne Johnson pitched a future for the DC Universe prior to James Gunn and Peter Safran taking over as co-CEOs of the now-DC Studios. According to the report, Johnson "directly pitched" a multiyear plan involving Black Adam and Superman (played by Henry Cavill) to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, which would have resulted in a Black Adam vs. Superman showdown.

Despite the fact that the meeting took place during a "power vacuum" at DC — former DC head Walter Hamada and Warner Bros. film chief Toby Emmerich were both preparing to leave at the time — many were unhappy with Johnson's decision, with one source saying, "Dwayne went around everyone, which didn't sit well." Johnson's relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery began "wearing thin" well before the premiere and subsequent disappointing box office results of Black Adam, according to the report.

According to the report, Johnson pushed for a producing credit on the animated film DC League of Super-Pets, in which he co-starred with Kevin Hart. Despite being asked to be a producer, Johnson did little to promote the film. According to the report, Johnson also "insisted" on having a tequila bar at the New York premiere of Black Adam, featuring his Teremana brand, despite the film's PG-13 rating. According to one source in the report, "his demands increased, and the returns just weren't there," which may or may not have resulted in his role shrinking within the DC Universe, but it certainly didn't help.