No, there isn't going to be a Black Adam sequel (here's why)

Since its explosive debut on Dec. 1, 2023 on Netflix, DC's 2022 action-adventure fantasy film Black Adam has left audiences spellbound with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's portrayal of the ancient superhuman Teth-Adam!

Nearly 5,000 years after being bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods, Black Adam aka Teth-Adam emerges from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world. The film, which follows Black Adam's quest to free the nation of Kahndaq from the clutches of the crime syndicate Intergang, has captivated audiences with its blend of magic, action, and complex characters. (Watch the official trailer below)

Now, as the credits roll and the dust settles, fans are left speculating about the possibility of Black Adam 2. Unfortunately, despite the making of a potential new DC franchise, the likelihood of a sequel is as rare as the powers bestowed upon this ancient superhuman.

Are the stars simply not aligning for Dwayne Johnson's return, or is there a more profound reason behind the absence of a continuation? Let's explore the reasons that a sequel to Black Adam won't happen, below!

Why is Black Adam 2 not happening?

While we were all set for an electrifying encore with Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam, it seems like the superhero might be taking an extended vacation from the sequel spotlight. The cancellation of Black Adam 2 isn't a tale of supervillains or cosmic disasters but a twist in leadership at DC Studios.

As the winds of change swept through DC Studios, ushering in the era of co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, plans for Black Adam's return got caught in a "vortex of new direction and fresh ideas", according to the star himself, Dwayne Johnson.

Despite Black Adam's thunderous debut, breaking records like a superhero crashing through brick walls, the sequel got tangled in the cape of uncertainty. It seems the new creative helmsmen at the studio opted to explore other corners of the DC universe rather than pursue a second chapter for this particular antihero. (Read Dwayne Johnson's official statement on the cancellation of Black Adam 2 below)

Box office numbers also played their part in this decision. While the initial reception was as mighty as Black Adam's punches, the film's revenue stumbled, failing to soar past the $400 million mark. Critically, the movie faced its share of kryptonite, with murmurs about overblown action, a script thinner than a comic book page, and characters longing for a bit more backstory.

The telltale sign of change came with Superman himself undergoing a makeover for Gunn's vision, indicating a reimagining of DC's superhero realm.

But fear not, devoted fans of the electrifying antihero! While Black Adam 2 might be left in the waiting room for now, whispers from the DC multiverse suggest that this isn't the last we'll see of Teth-Adam. Johnson and DC Studios have agreed to keep the door open for Black Adam's potential return in future multiverse escapades.

So, while the sequel might be on pause, it seems Black Adam's lightning bolt isn't fading away from the DC skies anytime soon. Stay tuned as the multiverse unfolds, promising new adventures and, who knows, maybe a resurgence of the antihero we've grown to love and fear!