The First Reactions to ‘Black Adam’ Are Here & Reviews Are Positive

Two weeks before its theatrical release, the premiere of new DC film Black Adam was held in New York City on Wednesday night.

The theatrical debut of new DC antihero film Black Adam is two weeks away. On Wednesday night (October 12), the film held its world premiere at AMC Empire in New York. In attendance were cast members Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam), Pierce Brosnan (Doctor Fate), Noah Centineo (Atom Smasher), Aldis Hodge (Hawkman), Quintessa Swindell (Cyclone) and more.

Here’s the synopsis: In ancient Kahndaq, Teth Adam was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years have passed, and Black Adam has gone from man to myth to legend. Now free, his unique form of justice, born out of rage, is challenged by modern-day heroes who form the Justice Society: Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone.

“The whole goal and initiative of Black Adam, was to build out the DC universe by introducing not only Black Adam, but the entire JSA [Justice Society of America] – five, five superhero characters, new superhero characters in one movie,” Johnson told Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet.

Film critics raved for the new era of DC Films, including Steven Weintraub of Collider, who praised Johnson for his dedication to the role.

“He spent 10 years getting ready for this role and he literally kills anyone and everyone in his way,” Weintraub tweeted. “I loved that he didn’t pull back on who Black Adam is. Left the theater wanting to see the sequel immediately.”

High acclaim kept rolling in, with film critic Scott Menzel saying that the movie was “everything that I hoped it would be and more.”

“Dwayne Johnson transforms into Black Adam, a role that he was born to play,” Menzel tweeted.

The film debuts in theaters on October 21. Read more reactions to Black Adam below.