Warning: This contains SPOILERS for Black Adam!
The release of Black Adam means Dwayne Johnson's DC Extended Universe debut has finally happened, so when will The Rock return as Black Adam? It took over a decade for Dwayne Johnson and Warner Bros. to figure out how to bring his Black Adam character to the big screen. The movie officially makes Black Adam one of the DCEU's most powerful characters, and that includes directly connecting him to the shared universe in some significant ways. The events of Black Adam's ending and post-credits scene encounter with Henry Cavill's Superman will only leave audiences more excited to see The Rock return to the DCEU.
Black Adam does provide some teases for what The Rock's DCEU future could look like, but it is not confirmed where he will appear next. Even without a Marvel Studios-like tag that confirms Black Adam will return in the DCEU, the movie is evidence enough that Dwayne Johnson's character will be a big part of the shared universe as it continues to grow. Undoubtedly, The Rock will return as Black Adam in the DCEU, and Black Adam leaves the door wide open for several movie appearances in the future.
Will The Rock Return For Black Adam 2? What We Know
Warner Bros. and DC Films have not officially announced Black Adam 2, but the sequel will likely happen. Even with Black Adam's mixed reviews, the movie is expected to be a big box office hit for the studio and a crowd-pleaser for general audiences. There are already early conversations about what Black Adam 2 could look like, and Dwayne Johnson will certainly return to star in any such sequel. He has massive plans for the character and the DCEU, as evident with Black Adam's post-credits scene bringing Henry Cavill's Superman into the fold. So, there is no doubt that The Rock will return for Black Adam 2 whenever the sequel happens.
Could The Rock Return Before Black Adam 2? Where Else He Might Appear
Since Black Adam 2 could be a few years away from hitting theaters, The Rock may return before then in another DCEU movie. In terms of confirmed upcoming DCEU movies with release dates, the best chance for The Rock to return before Black Adam 2 is Shazam: Fury of the Gods. Black Adam has strong ties to the Shazam franchise and was initially meant to debut in the first film as the villain. A cameo by The Rock's Black Adam in Shazam 2 would further link the franchises. It would also tease audiences with the potential of Black Adam fighting Zachary Levi's Shazam in the future.
Looking at other rumored DCEU movies, The Rock's Black Adam return could happen in Man of Steel 2. It is unclear if the sequel will happen before Black Adam 2, but an appearance by Dwayne Johnson would be necessary if it does. This would be an opportunity to build on Black Adam's Superman scene. There is also a chance Black Adam could factor into Wonder Woman 3, while any Black Adam spinoffs would also have a strong chance of including a cameo from The Rock. Once Warner Bros. announces Black Adam 2, it will be more clear what Dwayne Johnson's DCEU future could look like after Black Adam.