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There's Still A Way For The Rock vs. Cavill To Happen (Without The DCU)
Black Adam's post-credit scene teased a battle between Dwayne Johnson's titular anti-hero and Henry Cavill's Superman, but while they won't clash in the DCU, there's another option for The Rock Vs Cavill. 2022 was a particularly turbulent period for the DCU, which included the shocking cancellation of Batgirl as a tax write-off and the ousting of Cavill as Superman. The latter was made worse by the fact his Superman made a surprise cameo in Black Adam, with Warner Bros even asking Cavill to make media appearances confirming his return.
That was just before new DC Films co-chairpersons Peter Safran and James Gunn took over and started work on a new version for DC's film universe. Their exact plan has yet to be confirmed, but it will involve a Superman film that features a younger version of the superhero, while it also appears there won't be a Black Adam sequel. Regardless of the flaws Black Adam had, teasing a battle between him and Superman was a strong sequel hook, and it's disappointing it won't happen now. Dreams of a brawl between Johnson and Cavill doesn't have to end with the sequel's cancelation, however.
Cavill Would Be A Perfect Hobbs & Shaw Villain
Black Adam's underperformance was a rare miss for Johnson, so it will be interesting to see what the star's next move will be. It appears plans for the long-brewing Hobbs & Shaw 2 have stalled, but considering Hobbs is one of his most popular characters, he could circle back to it. If he does, then he needs look no further than Cavill as his next antagonist. Not only does he have the looks and charisma to pull off such a role, but he also proved with his Mission: Impossible - Fallout character he can play a fun villain too.
Hobbs & Shaw 2 could even tie Cavill's antagonist to the original film, by revealing he was terrorist group Eteon's mystery director. Johnson lobbied hard for Cavill's Superman comeback, even going against Warner's reported reluctance. With that in mind, the two should find a project to work on in the aftermath and turn that frown upside down. Hobbs & Shaw 2 is the exact kind of bombastic blockbuster that would suit them both, and deliver on the money-losing Black Adam's broken promise.
Will Hobbs & Shaw 2 Happen?
That question now becomes whether Hobbs & Shaw 2 will actually come together. Johnson has ruled out a return to the main Fast & Furious saga following a well-publicized feud with Vin Diesel, and there appear to be no plans for a Hobbs & Shaw sequel currently. While its gross wasn't as strong as the mainline series, the original Hobbs & Shaw was a solid earner and laid the groundwork for more entries. Now that his DCU designs have been sidelined, a Hobbs & Shaw return feels inevitable.
The actor has plenty of other projects in the works, including a reboot of Big Trouble In Little China or sequels to Netflix success Red Notice. Perhaps his reluctance to return for Hobbs & Shaw 2 was so he could establish himself in other franchises first. After Black Adam, Johnson will be seeking out guaranteed hits, which a Hobbs comeback could provide. Bringing Cavill along for the ride guarantees some nice free publicity too.
