‘Black Adam’ Isn’t the Only Superhero Movie Dwayne Johnson Has Lined Up
Slowly but surely, every major Hollywood star seems to be lining up to play either a superhero or supervillain. So it’s insane that an actor as famous as Dwayne Johnson has yet to don a super-suit of his very own. Of course, it was always just a matter of time until that would change.
Johnson has long been attached to play DC Comics villain-turned-anti-hero Black Adam. That film has since received a December 2021 release date. But now Johnson’s fans have received word the Hobbs & Shaw and Jumanji star is adding another superhero project to his extensive rundown of upcoming projects.
Dwayne Johnson is teaming with Emily Blunt for ‘Jungle Cruise’
2019 was a big year for Johnson. Both his Fast and Furious spin-off and Jumanji: The Next Level turned out to be major hits, with sequels in the works. But before anything happens on that front, Johnson was expected to make a triumphant return to the big screen in 2020.
Jungle Cruise — based on the Disney theme park attraction — was supposed to hit theaters in July 2020. But after the coronavirus pandemic hit, the film was postponed a full year to July 30, 2021. In Jungle Cruise, Johnson will star opposite Emily Blunt, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti.
The adventure film is only the latest Disney project to adapt one of the company’s iconic theme park rides. After all, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise developed into a major moneymaker for the studio. And the combined charms of Johnson and Blunt could help Jungle Cruise become a breakout hit.
The stars reunite for a superhero movie titled ‘Ball and Chain’
If nothing else, Johnson and Blunt must have hit it off or at least established some great chemistry. Disney’s Jungle Cruise hasn’t even set sail yet, but its stars have already lined up a second collaboration. According to Deadline, Johnson and Blunt will reunite for a superhero film titled Ball and Chain.
Based on Scott Lobdell’s 1990s comic, Ball and Chain follows a superpowered married couple (Johnson and Blunt) who can only tap into their powers when they work together. Oscar-nominated screenwriter Emily V. Gordon (The Big Sick) will write the film, with both stars producing.
At this early stage, Ball and Chain doesn’t have a home just yet. But the project is reportedly making the rounds. With the talent already involved, it’s easy to imagine Ball and Chain could be coming to theaters within the next couple of years. Of course, by then Johnson will have made his superhero debut.
Dwayne Johnson will make his superhero debut in ‘Black Adam’
Black Adam‘s Dec. 22, 2021 release will usher Johnson into the DC Extended Universe. The character — initially a villain who shares a rich history with Shazam! — will likely figure into a Shazam! sequel too. By the sounds of it, Johnson’s Black Adam probably won’t cross paths with Zachary Levi’s hero until at least Shazam! 3.
But after so many years of anticipation, Johnson is finally entering the realm of superheroes. Fans may argue his Fast & Furious character Luke Hobbs is already a superhero of sorts. Yet, after years of speculating whether Johnson would join Marvel or DC — and in what role — fans must be excited he’s adding a second superhero movie to their must-watch list.