Can James Gunn Benefit from the Success of Black Adam on Netflix?

Black Adam is experiencing a resurgence on Netflix, yet James Gunn may consider a different trajectory for the revamped DC Universe. Despite Dwayne Johnson’s high expectations for Black Adam, it faced disappointment in the DC Extended Universe, both critically and commercially. However, its newfound popularity on Netflix raises the question of whether Gunn should leverage this apparent success for his DC Universe reboot.

Released in October 2022, Black Adam fell short of its lofty promises, leading to lackluster box office results. Now, the film has found a second life on Netflix, unlike its DCEU counterpart, Shazam, which has not seen similar success on the streaming platform. One notable flaw in the DCEU was the absence of a face-off between Black Adam and Shazam, a crucial dynamic from the comics. While the Black Adam movie hinted at a clash with Superman in a post-credits scene, it failed to materialize.

The question emerges whether the new DC Universe, under Gunn’s direction, should rectify this omission and explore the classic rivalry between Black Adam and Shazam. The recent success of Black Adam on Netflix might bolster this case. However, the contrasting performance of Shazam on the platform implies a need for a comprehensive retooling of the Shazam mythos to align with the larger DC Universe.

As James Gunn embarks on the reboot with the upcoming Creature Commandos animated series and the 2025 release of Superman: Legacy, the focus should be on establishing the core DC characters. Gunn’s priority lies in ensuring the success of this initial phase, featuring characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter. A potential reboot of Shazam and Black Adam could be considered in subsequent phases, deviating from the New 52 reboot and DCEU for a more classical and distinct portrayal.

A rebooted Shazam, aligned with Jerry Ordway’s The Power of Shazam!, offers a guide to creating a traditional version that aligns with the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths Black Adam. This approach, though requiring a departure from the apparent success of the DCEU Black Adam movie on Netflix, emphasizes the importance of establishing authenticity and respect within the new DC Universe. While Black Adam continues to stream on Max and Netflix, the cinematic evolution of these characters in the hands of James Gunn may take a different and more purposeful path, ensuring a more earned and impactful transformation in the hierarchy of power.

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