American actor Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as La Roca, appeared in Madrid during a premiere that marked the end of a global tour supporting the film Black Adam, which hits theaters this week. The movie positions Johnson as a formidable force in the DC Comics universe, showcasing the strongest antihero in the franchise.
Johnson conveyed his excitement about being in Madrid and sharing a movie that fans have anticipated for a long time. His remarks during a conversation with EFE highlighted the sense of relief after a long pandemic pause that kept Hollywood premieres at a distance, allowing major stars to reconnect with international audiences on red carpets across Spain and beyond.
The actor described the premiere as a turning point, signaling the start of a fresh chapter in superhero storytelling. He explained to EFE that Black Adam introduces a new era for the DC universe, featuring updated scripts and characters that push for more nuanced and diverse representation. The film arrives as a bridge between classic mythos and modern sensibilities, inviting audiences to rethink the familiar hero narrative.
The story unfolds in a world inspired by real places but filtered through a mythic lens. Kahndaq, the ancient homeland of the protagonist, is reimagined as a sprawling, contemporary metropolis with a texture that blends history and modernity. The film follows the release from a long confinement as the former captive grapples with raw power and a broadened sense of justice, setting the stage for clashes with a formidable group of heroes known as the Justice Society of America. The central conflict revolves around preventing a surge of crime and chaos that accompanies unchecked force.
One of the most resonant aspects of Black Adam, beyond its action and special effects, is the portrayal of a Black superhero who is willing to lay everything on the line to protect his people, his homeland, and his loved ones. Johnson has repeatedly emphasized this core motivation as a driving force behind the character, underscoring themes of responsibility, loyalty, and sacrifice that resonate across audiences in North America and Europe alike.
Joining Johnson in the ensemble are Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate, Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, actors who enrich the film with a diverse range of abilities and perspectives. The cast brings a sense of camaraderie and tension to the screen, helping to anchor the high-stakes action with human moments and character-driven stakes. The result is a cinematic experience that balances spectacle with a grounded emotional core, appealing to fans of traditional superhero fare and newcomers curious about the shifting currents in the genre.
With this premiere, the industry continues to rebound from a period of disruption, as international festivals and market appearances reestablish momentum for a slate of superhero features. The Madrid event underscored a renewed appetite for cross-border publicity, press tours, and fan engagement, reinforcing the idea that superhero cinema remains a central pillar of contemporary popular culture across the English-speaking world and beyond.