Before returning to the WWE, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was all set to take over the DCEU. While many fans thought this was by playing the character of Black Adam, Johnson had other plans. In his efforts to make his mark on Hollywood following several lukewarm releases, the Hollywood star even pushed for the return of actor Henry Cavill’s Superman. However, this move affected the Superman star after Black Adam (2022) didn’t make the expected superhero landing at the box office. Here is everything you need to know.

As the DCEU started to pick up steam, The Rock found himself as a favorite fan cast for the Middle Eastern antihero. When Johnson’s casting actually came to fruition, fans were excited for the eventual Black Adam vs. Superman movie. Unfortunately, at this point, Cavill’s return as the red cape hero emerged as an unlikely scenario. Making an uncredited cameo in Johnson’s movie gave fans some hope.

Unfortunately, all plans fell through, as the movie grossed a mere $390 million worldwide. Moreover, Cavill was never under contract to reprise his role as Superman. Ahead of the movie’s release, Dwayne Johnson began teasing Superman’s cameo. Furthermore, just days after the movie’s release, Cavill announced he would return as Superman.

With the movie not living up to expectations at the box office, James Gunn assumed the reins of the new DCU as they aim to improve on quality and quantity. At the end of 2022, reports suggested that Henry Cavill would not reprise his role as Superman. One insider revealed, “In the end, he was a pawn in Dwayne’s failed attempt to control a piece of DC.”

It was revealed that despite DC originally planning Cavill’s eventual return as Superman; The Rock has his own plans. To ensure box office success, Dwayne Johnson muscled for Superman to appear in his movie. As of today, the DCEU has ended with James Gunn’s DCU taking over with a reboot of all the heroes. Nevertheless, a fated rivalry from wrestling made its way to Hollywood as John Cena achieved a small win over Dwayne Johnson.

John Cena one-ups Dwayne Johnson by continuing in the DCU

Ever since the G.O.A.T, John Cena moved to Hollywood, the comparisons to The Rock began. While both actors have had their fair share of hits and misses, Cena won in the DC Universe. While Johnson and Black Adam will not return to the DCU, Cena’s Peacemaker will.

Cena’s DC character debuted in Gunn’s Suicide Squad (2021). Following its success, the character got his own TV show, which received high praise and was renewed for a second season. While The Final Boss may have his eyes set on The Marvel Universe, nothing has been confirmed. What do you think of Johnson spearheading Superman’s return just for box office numbers? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.