'Shazam!' release date, cast news: Dwayne Johnson reveals why Black Adam will not be in upcoming movie

Shazam as featured in the DC Nation short "Wisdom." YouTube/DC

Since Warner Bros. Pictures announced that "Shazam!" was in the works, many assumed that the lead character Captain Marvel/Shazam (Zachary Levi) would be going up against Black Adam. However, Dwayne Johnson, the actor who will be playing the said anti-hero, has revealed why he will not be in the upcoming live-action movie.

As it turns out, "Shazam!" will be split into two movies and a separate Black Adam film will be produced. Johnson confirmed this in a recent interview with ComicBook.com. The actor also seems to have set the record straight.

He explained that they had to split the movie into two because it was only natural to do so. This will also lead to both characters having their fair share of the spotlight.

"We had to split the idea because the obvious idea was Black Adam and Shazam. So we split it. Those guys are gonna do great with it," said Johnson.

He added that he thinks that the team working on "Shazam!" have a specific plan in mind and the actor even wished them well.

Unfortunately, with these latest comments, it really does not seem like Black Adam will show up in some form in "Shazam!" Johnson shared that he is very much focused on his own character's solo adventure. However, given his busy schedule, the Black Adam movie may not be arriving anytime soon.

Meanwhile, some new casting announcements have been made as well. As revealed by Deadline, alongside Levi and Asher Angel, who will be playing the hero's kid alter ego Billy Batson, "IT" star Jack Dylan Grazer is revealed to be on board for the superhero movie. Specific details regarding his role have yet to be determined.

"Shazam!" will premiere on April 5, 2019. The Black Adam movie has no release date yet.

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