Dwayne Johnson’s DC stint as Black Adam did not exactly pan out the way he desired. Along with the film being taken apart by critics and audiences, Johnson’s hope of making a sequel was also dashed, following a complete reboot of the franchise by newly appointed DC head James Gunn and team.
In addition, with Henry Cavill’s shocking exit as Superman, The Rock’s lofty ambition of headlining a DC film in which Black Adam would lock horns with Superman, became a distant dream. The Jumanji 2 star’s obsession with DC’s greatest hero has now got fans envisioning him as the character’s biggest nemesis, Lex Luthor, despite Nicholas Hoult already being cast in the marquee role for Superman: Legacy.
Fans Imagine Dwayne Johnson As Lex Luthor
Black Adam may not have done much for Dwayne Johnson in terms of box office success and critical praise, but the former WWE star’s obsession with his character and Henry Cavill’s Superman, is now getting fans imagining a hypothetical scenario. While The Rock’s desire to see a film with Superman and Black Adam did not see the light of day, netizens and DC buffs were of the opinion that his lofty ambitions could make him a perfect choice to play Superman’s arch-rival, Lex Luthor.
Though it is now official that Nicholas Hoult will play the iconic villain in James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy, fans had their own imaginations about what it would be like to see Johnson in the role. While some viewers felt that he would be apt to take on the part, others believed that The Scorpion King actor’s contract which reportedly allowed him only to end up on the winning side, could work against him.
…… this is perfect. He IS obsessed with fighting Superman 🗿 https://t.co/ZSQBo1zEBL
— Monkey D. Hernandy (@hernandy_s) December 29, 2023
I would love this but he doesn’t allow himself to lose in movies. His contracts state he must win. Wouldn’t make for a good Superman movie.
— AaronShack64TV (@aaronshack64TV) December 29, 2023
Have bro oil up that head then we got it
— shaggy (@scoob_gang) December 29, 2023
YESSSSSS
— Nerd Wonder (@YourNerdWonder) December 29, 2023
Holy shit. This is unironically the best idea I’ve ever seen for a Lex Luthor fan casting. Dude, a Lex Luthor as charismatic and fun and funny as The Rock, PLAYED just like the Rock during his best days as a wrestling heel. THIS WOULD BE AWESOME.
— Brian McMiller (@IronGut1) December 30, 2023
While Dwayne Johnson could have possibly made a great Lex Luthor according to certain sections of fans, this reality will never happen as Nicholas Hoult has already beaten him to it. It now remains to be seen if his character Black Adam has any future in the DCU.
Next Up For Dwayne Johnson Is The Live-Action Version Of Moana
In the 2016 animated feature Moana, Dwayne Johnson lent his voice to the character of Maui. The film was also a personally important and significant one for The Rock as it gave him an opportunity to touch base with his Polynesian roots and also respect the spirit of his grandfather, the patriarch of his family.
Now, Johnson will reprise his role in the live-action version of Moana which is set to hit theaters sometime in 2025. Speaking of his excitement about being part of this project that is so close to his heart, Johnson took to his Instagram handle and also featured his two young daughters in the announcement.
“Deeply humbled to announce we’re bringing the beautiful story of MOANA to the live action big screen! This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana and warrior strength”.
While it is still unclear if all members of the original cast will be present in the live-action project, Dwayne Johnson revealed that the film was still in the very early stages of planning and production and had a long way to go before more information could be shared.
