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Black Adam Himself, Dwayne Johnson, Explains How Anti-Hero “New Leadership” Killed Franchise

Dwayne Johnson opens up about the "Web of New Leadership" at WB/DC and how it led to the killing of the Black Adam franchise
Hart to Heart Dwayne Johnson

In the third season of Kevin Hart’s popular talk show Hart to Heart, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joined the host for an in-depth conversation in Hart’s virtual wine cellar. The series, known for its insightful and unfiltered conversations with A-list celebrities, provided the perfect setting for Johnson to open up about the “Web of New Leadership” at Warner Bros. and DC, and how it led to the killing of the Black Adam franchise.

A Candid Conversation with Dwayne Johnson, aka “The Rock”

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Armed with his signature wit, vintage wine, and a knack for getting to the heart of the matter, Kevin Hart engaged Johnson in a conversation that ranged from hilarious anecdotes to career-defining revelations. The episode, part of a season that features entertainment industry titans such as Dr. Dre, Issa Rae, John Cena, and Will Smith, stood out for its raw honesty and the chemistry between the two stars.

The Black Adam Franchise: What Went Wrong?

Hart to Heart Dwayne Johnson on Black Adam
HART TO HEART — “Dwayne Johnson” Episode 309 — Pictured: Dwayne Johnson — (Photo by: Peacock)

The highlight of the interview was Johnson’s candid discussion about the Black Adam franchise’s demise. He expressed his frustration and disappointment with the changes in leadership at Warner Bros. and DC, referring to it as a “Web of New Leadership.” Johnson explained how these changes led to a shift in vision and direction that ultimately killed the Black Adam franchise.

He detailed the passion and hard work that went into the project, only to see it derailed by decisions made at the executive level. The conversation provided a rare glimpse into the complexities and challenges of the entertainment industry, especially when creative visions clash with corporate interests.

“I think that Black Adam got caught in a vortex of new leadership. And at that time, as we were creating Black Adam, developing it, shooting Black Adam, we got knocked down a little bit because of Covid and the shutdowns got back up. There were so many changes in leadership. And as you know, any time you have a company, but especially that size and magnitude, that’s a publicly traded company and you have all those changes in leadership, you have people coming in who creatively, fiscally are going to make decisions that you may not agree with philosophically.

So I think Black Adam was one of those movies that got caught in that web of new leadership. And, you know, that will always be one of the biggest mysteries, I think, not only for me and us on our end, but also throughout our business, because that’s a Kevin question. But that was a question out of Wall Street. That was a question out of Hollywood. That was a question like, wait a second. You had the biggest opening of your career. Sure. No China that could have been maybe 100, maybe 200 more million dollars.

You’re establishing a new superhero. You want to grow out the franchise. You bring back Superman and Henry Cavill. The world went crazy. And also, too. And you and I, you were texting me this on opening weekend is we created a diverse superhero portfolio where we had just men and women of color, you know, in Black Adam, too, as well.”

-Dwayne Johnson, ‘Hart to Heart’ Interview-

A Place for Open Dialogue and Heart

Hart to Heart Kevin Hart
HART TO HEART — “Dwayne Johnson” Episode 309 — Pictured: Kevin Hart — (Photo by: Peacock)

Hart to Heart continues to be a platform where celebrities can reveal their true selves, away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Kevin Hart’s ability to create an atmosphere of trust and intimacy allows his guests to open up about topics they might otherwise shy away from.

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In the case of Dwayne Johnson, the conversation about the Black Adam franchise was not just about a failed project; it was a reflection of the broader issues that artists face in the industry. It was a conversation filled with insight, truth, and, of course, a touch of humor.

The episode featuring Dwayne Johnson on Hart to Heart is a must-watch for fans of both stars and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry. It’s a testament to the power of honest conversation and the human side of our most well-known celebrities.

Hart to Heart is now streaming on Peacock.

Hart to Heart
HART TO HEART — Pictured: “Hart to Heart” Key Art — (Photo by: Peacock)

What are your thoughts on Dwayne Johnson’s revelations about the Black Adam franchise? How do you feel about the changes in leadership at Warner Bros. and DC? Join the conversation on social media and share your insights, opinions, and reactions to this revealing episode of Hart to Heart.

Source: Peacock

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Kevin Fenix

Kevin Fenix

Professional Nerd | Amateur Human | Creative/Content Director The best way to describe Kevin Fenix is the kid you never tell what the buttons do in video games so you have a chance to win. Being 6’ 4” and Asian, he never really fit in, so he got comfortable standing out. Not only is it easy to find him in crowds, he dabbles in the culinary arts, does a little stand up and improv, and can honestly say Spider-Man is the Jesus-like influence of his life. Kevin Fenix loves dogs, movies, television, comics, comedy, and to shoot people… with video.