Brand-new toys from Disney, Marvel and more!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Culture

Dwayne Johnson talks fatherhood and what 'Black Adam' means to him

VIDEO: Dwayne Johnson talks about new film, ‘Black Adam’
6:04
Dwayne Johnson talks about new film, ‘Black Adam’
ABCNews.com
ByCarson Blackwelder
October 12, 2022, 10:38 am

The "Black Adam" movie has been years in the making, but for star Dwayne Johnson, it was all worth waiting for.

The actor, who plays the titular DC anti-hero, told "Good Morning America" the film is "a representation of trying to be resilient, pushing this thing and really fighting for this thing." Talk of Johnson portraying the character first surfaced 15 years ago, in 2007, and he eventually confirmed he would be playing the character back in 2014.

When getting into character, which he said is "certainly a departure" from anything he's done before, Johnson said he recalled times in his past where he felt "really constrained" and had people telling him what he could and could not do.

MORE: Dwayne Johnson, who plays hero in 'Black Adam,' surprises a 'real-life hero'

For example, Johnson said he thought back to his start in Hollywood "many moons ago" -- fans first saw him on the big screen in 2001's "The Mummy Returns" -- when he was told that, as someone from the pro wrestling world, he'd have to make changes if he wanted to be like the biggest movie stars at the time, George Clooney, Johnny Depp and Will Smith.

PHOTO: Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in "Black Adam."
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam in "Black Adam."
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Johnson said he was told he shouldn't call himself The Rock -- his ring name -- and that he'd have to go on a diet and not go to the gym in an effort to lose weight because he was "too big."

"If you don't know any better, you buy into it," he remembered. "And I bought into it for a couple of years before I said, 'This ends right now, and I'm going to be myself and at least if I fail, I'll fail being me.' "

Johnson said tapping into those memories helped him relate to his latest character because "a lot of that, those elements, are what surrounds Black Adam's life and his existence," being told what to do and how a superhero should act.

"Black Adam says, 'Well, I'm going to do it Black Adam's way,' " he said.

MORE: Dwayne Johnson shares 'Black Adam' trailer: 'This passion project has become my DNA'

Johnson said "Black Adam" means a lot to him, calling it "the movie of my career, the most important movie I've ever done -- arguably will ever do."

PHOTO: Dwayne Johnson appears on Good Morning America, Oct. 12, 2022.
Dwayne Johnson appears on Good Morning America, Oct. 12, 2022.
ABC News

Though he said kids usually keep your ego in check, Johnson said his daughters are excited to see him play Black Adam and he's even going to show it to them -- at least "certain parts."

Still, Johnson, who is dad to daughters Simone, 21, Jasmine, 6, and Tiana, 4, said that while he loves being in films, the role of father is "my existence."

"I will tell you, that's my favorite role," he said.

"Black Adam" opens in U.S. theaters on Oct. 21.

Up Next in Culture—

Toby Keith gives update on stomach cancer battle: 'It's a little bit of a roller coaster'

September 29, 2023

Rob Gronkowski, Camille Kostek compete in live ice bath challenge to raise $20K for charity

September 29, 2023

Hear Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood's reimagined version of 'Cry Myself to Sleep'

September 29, 2023

*NSYNC drops new song 'Better Place' from 'Trolls Band Together': Listen here

September 29, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Toby Keith gives update on stomach cancer battle: 'It's a little bit of a roller coaster'

September 29, 2023

Rob Gronkowski, Camille Kostek compete in live ice bath challenge to raise $20K for charity

September 29, 2023

Hear Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood's reimagined version of 'Cry Myself to Sleep'

September 29, 2023

*NSYNC drops new song 'Better Place' from 'Trolls Band Together': Listen here

September 29, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News