It seems the hierarchy of power in the DC universe is about to change again, as plans for a Black Adam 2 come to a screeching halt. It’s been confirmed that Dwayne Johnson’s anti-hero will not be part of the DCU’s “First Chapter”, a move that comes as new Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran continue to reshape the entire franchise slate, with other projects like Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 and Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel sequel also being axed.

Johnson, who starred in and produced Black Adam, broke the news on Twitter: “James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling. However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilised in future DC multiverse chapters.”

“After 15 years of relentless hard work to finally make Black Adam, I’m very proud of the film we delivered for fans worldwide. I will always look back on the fan reaction to Black Adam with tremendous gratitude, humility and love.”

That said, none of this means there’ll never be a Black Adam 2, nor that the character won’t eventually return. Unlike Cavill, it doesn’t seem that Johnson has been ejected from the role, so the door is still open for him to return to DC – just not anytime soon.

At the rate things are going, it may be wisest to assume that most planned DC films will not be going ahead, unless otherwise confirmed.