For more than a decade, Marvel Studios has been the undisputed king of superhero movies, pumping out hit after hit as they immerse audiences in their complex interwoven stories. Their largest comic rival DC has had some successes along the way as well, but has never managed to build out a cinematic universe on the same level. Reports earlier this year indicated that new Warner Media CEO David Zaslav was on the hunt for someone to serve as the DCEU’s version of Kevin Feige, the architect behind so much of Marvel’s success.
While no one has landed that coveted role quite yet, actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson sounds up for helping DC fill the position. Johnson stars in the next DC film, Black Adam, which is slated to come out this October.
“The best position that I could be for DC is one as an advisor, where I can help. I love DC. It’s in my blood,” Johnson told Variety at the Black Adam premiere. “In the spirit of growing up with the DC Universe. I’m here to help in any way I can, including looking for and finding that right leader or leaders.”
"As a little boy, I grew up loving the Super Friends, specifically Superman. I saw my first Black Adam comic and it was arresting to me. His face was intense. He looked cool, looked different, badass and had brown skin. So automatically I was relating to him. I am DC through and through."
Dwayne Johnson would support a DC/Marvel crossover, if it’s what the fans want
Honestly, tapping Johnson for some kind of advisory role would probably be a pretty decent idea for Warner Bros. and DC. Beyond his obvious love for the comic universe, Johnson is also one of the most charismatic and level-headed people working in Hollywood; he’s built a career out of reinvigorating franchises, from The Fast and the Furious to Jumanji and beyond.
Case in point: during the interview, Johnson was asked how he’d feel about the idea of a DC and Marvel crossover, and he gave about the best answer possible:
"Well, I’m always optimistic. I’d like to think that we would see that. My philosophy is anything can get done. Let’s start with the end goal. And if the end goal is to have some sort of crossover that can be compelling, smart, cool for the fans. Let’s get a temperature gauge if they’d like to see something like that. And then if they do, then let’s create it. I operate my businesses like that. I truly believe that anything can happen. Anything can happen with the right people and place, and the right leadership, having the right conversations."
Yes, listen to the fans! Crossing over those two universes would make tons of dreams come true, but it could also so easily go wrong if it were being done just for the dollar bills.
To top it off, Johnson also told the Associated Press that DC is not hoping to take a “bite out of Marvel,” but to do their own thing. “Because to me as we build out the DC universe, ushering in a new era of the DC Universe, that to me is not my lead foot. It’s not our goal to take a bite out of Marvel. What they’ve done is incredible. What Kevin Feige’s done is incredible.”
"And by the way, I love those guys. They’re all my friends. And they are largely responsible for the economic drive of our business for almost two decades.We don’t want to be Marvel. We want to be DC. And how we do things. So that’s what I want. I don’t want to take a bite of that apple. I want to grab a new apple. And I want to create from there."
Zaslav, get this guy a contract before he slips through your fingers.
Black Adam releases in theaters on October 21.
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