The hierarchy of power has finally shifted and Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam has made his mark in the DCEU. Black Adam is set to crossover with the rest of the established DC Universe. Prior to this happening, Johnson had some positive words about Barry Keoghan's take on the Joker in The Batman.
Black Adam is described as an anti-hero and sometimes as a villain. The character has a different moral alignment depending on the story, writers, and central conflict. In his first live-action film, the filmmakers didn't try to make him look like a hero or a villain and instead hammered down who he is at his core. Johnson was praised for his portrayal of the character and now DC fans want to see more Black Adam. This neutral approach to the character's portrayal was so unique, as it couldn't work for some other DC villains such as the Joker.
Speaking of the Joker, Johnson is actually real-life friends with the actor responsible for the newest iteration of the character, Keoghan, who was seen in a deleted scene from Matt Reeves' The Batman. "For the record: Barry Keoghan is a buddy of mine, and I thought his Joker was phenomenal," Johnson said while speaking to JOE.ie. "And I know the work that he really put in, so I really look forward to seeing more of that guy! Whether in the Batman series or... hey, you never know, in Black Adam."
Since it's been established that Reeves' film is its own separate take that's not in continuity with what was started by Zack Snyder, it's unlikely that fans will see Keoghan's Joker in the same film as Black Adam. However, Barry Keoghan can potentially get a new role as a completely different character should the actor decide to be involved with the already-established DC universe. There's also the concept of the multiverse, which could allow Keoghan to meet Johnson's Black Adam as an alternate version of the Joker.
While many are being introduced to the actor through the role of the Joker, Keoghan does have a wide acting range, as the actor initially auditioned for the role of the Riddler in The Batman. Widely known for delivering roles in the artistic or independent scene, Keoghan also has a lead role in Marvel Studios' Eternals.
Years ago it was widely assumed that it's impossible for talent to have multiple roles in the same universe and that once you're cast as a character, then that was it. It was also assumed that if Marvel Studios cast you, then DC would look the other way and vice versa. Talent such as Mahershala Ali (Blade, Luke Cage), Jared Lero (Suicide Squad, Zack Snyder's Justice League, Morbius), Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, Green Lantern), Jessica Henwick (Iron Fist) and now Keoghan (The Batman, Eternals) have all proved this to be untrue. Now that both Marvel Studios and DC are exploring the multiverse concept, it looks like anything can be possible.
Black Adam is currently playing in theaters.
Source: JOE.ie
