Screenwriter Adam Sztykiel (“Undateable”) is in talks to write the screenplay for the New Line Cinema and DC Comics movie “Black Adam,” an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
The film will star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the anti-hero from “Shazam.”
As reported yesterday, “Suicide Squad 2″ may serve as Johnson’s introduction to the DC Universe as the super-villain Black Adam, two insiders familiar with the idea told TheWrap.
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“The Rock” first hinted at what’s cooking in May, when he told Fandango, “We have a really cool surprise for Black Adam that I can’t reveal, in terms of where we will see Black Adam being introduced.”
Johnson, who has been attached to the role since 2008, will produce “Black Adam” with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions banner, along with Beau Flynn’s FlynnPictureCo.
Earlier this year, Johnson teased a meeting with DC Films co-head Geoff Johns, promising “hope, optimism & FUN.”
Sztykiel was also one of the writers for New Line’s “Rampage “adaptation, which also stars Johnson. His other writing credits include “Due Date,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul,” “Made of Honor,” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.”
Sztykiel is repped by UTA, Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment and attorney Jeff Frankel.
Deadline first reported the news of Sztykiel’s involvement.