Black Adam won’t be in the first chapter of DC Studios’ new films (Picture: 2022 Warner Bros.)

Dwayne Johnson has shed light on the future of his character Black Adam, following a shake-up in the DC universe.

Last week it was confirmed Henry Cavill would not be returning as Superman, following the takeover of DC Studios by Guardians Of The Galaxy director James Gunn, who alongside The Suicide Squad, Aquaman, and Shazam! producer Peter Safran, is co-CEO of DC Studios.

Amid outcry at the move, Dwayne – who pushed for Henry’s return as Superman in a Black Adam cameo – has now revealed after a chat with James his titular superhero will not appear in the ‘first chapter of storytelling’ from the studio.

In a statement on social media, Dwayne wrote: ‘My passionate friends, I wanted to give you a long-awaited Black Adam update regarding the character’s future in the new DC Universe.

‘James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling. However, DC and 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.’

Dwayne spoke with James Gunn about the role (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

After 15 years of work to get Black Adam onto the screen, Dwayne went on to share his pride in the film, adding: ‘We did great.’

Thanking his fans, Dwayne wrote: ‘I will always listen to you and do my best to deliver and entertain you.’

James responded to Dwayne’s message, writing: ‘Love @TheRock
& I’m always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can’t wait to collaborate soon. 🙏’

James responded to criticism of the new decisions (Picture: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Henry confirmed he wouldn’t be returning as Superman (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Following its release, Black Adam made $390million (£320m) in theatres worldwide, against a reported production cost of $195m (£160m) and a marketing spend of as much as $100m (£82m). Responding to speculation around the numbers, Dwayne himself said the film was expected to make a profit of $52m-$72m (£42m-£59m).

The move follows Henry’s confirmation his Man of Steel wouldn’t be returning, despite appearing in the post-credits scene for Black Adam and subsequently announcing his comeback to the role.

Amid backlash, on behalf of himself and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, James responded to the criticism they had faced following the announcement.

He tweeted on Monday: ‘One of the things Peter and I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious and unkind, to say the least.’

Defending the decisions that they have made in their new roles, which also cast doubts over Wonder Woman 3, he continued: ‘Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story and best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years.

‘Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts and integrity and always with the story in mind.

‘No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.’

He admitted the pair knew they would face some ‘turbulence’ after taking charge of DC’s movie and TV output, but they were willing to accept that as they strive to do their best for the studio.

He explained: ‘We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, and we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult and not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.

‘But this means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists and custodians in helping to create a wide and wonderful future for DC.’

MORE : Henry Cavill might have left Superman and The Witcher – but he’s lined up his dream TV role

MORE : Dwayne Johnson and Jada Pinkett Smith lead tributes after Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss dies at 40

Follow Metro on Snapchat

You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.

Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.

And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.

It comes as James Gunn takes on role of co-CEO of DC Studios.