Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s workout pictures are a source of motivation for his Black Adam co-star Aldis Hodge. Johnson’s introduction into the DCEU as the antihero Black Adam has been in the making for quite some time. The former WWE superstar signed on to portray Black Adam in 2014, and it was later decided he would have his own film as opposed to being the villain for Shazam!. However, the film, which is set 5000 years after Black Adam's imprisonment, has unfortunately experienced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, and even lost its original December 2021 release, and is currently without a release date.
Although Johnson’s first foray into the superhero genre has experienced some trouble, it is indeed moving ahead, as the star revealed that production starts in the spring. The film has also announced various castings, which includes members of the Justice Society of America, as Noah Centineo is cast as Atom Smasher, Quintessa Swindell will play Cyclone, and Hodge is playing Hawkman. Hodge has been sharing various details regarding his preparation for Black Adam, and it turns out, The Invisible Man star has also been getting some motivation from seeing Johnson’s regular gym video/photos on social media.
In an interview with Variety, Hodge discussed his role as Jim Brown in One Night in Miami, but naturally, the conversation also dived into the subject of Black Adam. Hodge said that he is not sure when shooting starts for the DC film but mentioned he intends to gain a lot more muscle for the role. When discussing working out and gaining muscle, Hodge sighted his co-star Johnson and his “videos on Instagram” as something that keeps him “motivated.” At times, the star believes his muscle gain is minimal, while Johnson has seemingly gained “100 more pounds.”
“It is not a game and the Rock is always throwing up videos on Instagram. Every time I see him I feel like he’s gained 100 more pounds. And I’ll just be up in the gym looking at myself with the little subtle flex and I’m not getting anything. Nothing is happening to me. It keeps me motivated because I’ll be in the gym taking a minute on a bike or something like that, and then I see him in the gym all swole and I’m like, ‘I must do better.’”
If there was ever a person to be inspired by when it comes to developing your physique and staying consistent in the gym, it’s most likely Johnson. The star’s work ethic is almost unparalleled, and that shows in his ever-present hulk-like physique, so Hodge is right to use his co-star as motivation. Hodge is also right in thinking he has to gain muscle, as the majority of comic books show Hawkman with quite a muscular physique, particularly Hawkman #20 (Variant Edition). Fans will now likely be expecting to see a bigger Hodge in Hawkman, but even if he doesn’t match up to Johnson’s Black Adam physique, the actor should not fear. It is Johnson’s film after all, and considering the Black Adam star recently ripped his front gate off its hinges, it may be an unfair comparison.
Interestingly, Hodge revealed he is unaware of when shooting starts. However, it’s possible Hodge will start filming a little later, so that might be why he didn’t mention the spring timeline that Johnson previously announced. The actor’s preparation for the role will certainly excite fans, and his dedication to the role is not surprising, considering he’s waited fifteen years to join a superhero film. It also shows that the film is moving full steam ahead, despite not currently having a release date. For those fans eagerly waiting to see Hodge in action as Hawkman, the actor has now given them an exciting insight into his preparation for the role, and perhaps Hodge will soon share his own gym pictures as he prepares for Johnson’s Black Adam.
Source: Variety
