Last month, Dwayne Johnson brought (virtually) a first look at concept artwork and teaser reels for Black Adam. Part of that was the announcement that the Justice Society of America would feature in the story, and now we know who will be playing Hawkman, a key component of the JSA: Aldis Hodge.
Black Adam will see Johnson as the title character, a powerful being who originated as a nemesis for Shazam, but who has since become a much more nuanced person.
Hawkman was first introduced in 1940’s Flash Comics No. 1, and is one of a pair of lovers from Ancient Egypt destined to constantly be reincarnated throughout time and space, with many rebirths leading to an emergence as a hawk-themed hero using both giant wings and an alien element called “nth metal,” which negates gravity and allows him to fly. In contemporary times, he’s Carter Hall, an archaeologist turned adventurer who struggles with anger issues — and his ability to control a mace. As for the JSA, it's a multigenerational group of heroes that pre-dates even the Justice League, and also features the likes of Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo in the film), Doctor Fate and Cyclone.
Jaume Collet-Serra is in the director's chair for the movie, which has a script currently by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. It should be shooting later this year or early next. Hodge, who was one of the leads in The Invisible Man, has been winning praise for his role in Regina King's One Night In Miami.