The Rock confirms Black Adam has been scrapped by DC in brutal axing

Dwayne Johnson has opened up about the future of Black Adam after making his first appearance as the bad-slash-good guy earlier this year.

The Rock released a statement on his addition to the DC Universe following controversy around James Gunn's appointment to co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios.

The announcement of Gunn's new role was shortly followed by the news that Henry Cavill would not be returning to the role of Superman despite previously announcing his comeback, and even making an appearance as the character in a credits cameo of Black Adam.

Cavill's departure has sparked questions about what the future of the DC Universe may look like, prompting Johnson to offer up some answers in a statement shared on Twitter last night (20 December).

"My passionate friends," the former wrestler began. "I wanted to give you a long-awaited Black Adam update regarding the character's future in the new DC Universe."

Johnson explained that he and Gunn 'connected' after the Guardians of the Galaxy director took on the co-CEO role, and he learned that Black Adam would not have a part to play in Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran's 'first chapter of storytelling'.

Johnson assured that his adventures aren't over yet, though, as he continued: "However, DC and [Johnson's production company] Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.

"James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed. It's no different now, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG. You guys know me, and I have very thick skin – and you can always count on me to be direct with my words.

"These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lens."

@therock/Twitter

Johnson went on to stress that he is 'very proud' of Black Adam, which was 15 years in the making, and said he would 'always look back on the fan reaction' with 'tremendous gratitude, humility and love'.

The actor's statement came after he previously revealed he was among those fighting for Cavill to make a comeback as Superman after Cavill said his cameo in Black Adam was 'a very small taste of things to come'.

Responding to the news of Cavill's apparent return, Johnson wrote on Twitter: "We fought for years to bring you back. They always said no. But to [Dany and Hiram Garcia] & myself 'no' was not an option. We can't build out our DCEU w/out the world's greatest superhero. And fans will always come first."

Gunn responded to Johnson's statement last night to show support for the actor, writing: "Love @TheRock & I'm always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can't wait to collaborate soon."