The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Aldis Hodge is the latest name to join the cast of DC Films and Warner Bros. project Black Adam, where he’ll be playing the role of Hawkman.

Black Adam originated in DC Comics as a corrupted, ancient Egyptian predecessor of Captain Marvel/Shazam, who fought his way to modern times to challenge the hero and the Shazam Family. In recent times in the comics however, Black Adam has evolved into a more complex and conflicted antihero, with his origins tied to the fictional Middle Eastern kingdom of Kahndaq.

Hawkman was first introduced in the first issue of the Flash Comics back in the 1940’s and is one half of a pair of lovers (Hawkgirl) from Ancient Egypt destined to constantly be reincarnated throughout time and space, with many rebirths leading to an emergence of the alter ego of Hawkman, using both giant wings and an alien element known as ‘nth metal’, which negates gravity and allows him to fly. There’s been many iterations of Hawkman, with the most well known being Carter Hall, an archaeologist turned adventurer who struggles with anger issues…and his ability to control a mace. Other iterations include Katar Hol, Fel Andar, Zauriel and Charley Parker.

It was revealed at DC FanDome last month that the Black Adam film would introduce film audiences to the Justice Society of America, specifically the characters of Atom Smasher, Hawkman, Doctor Fate and Cyclone. Now with half of the JSA cast, it’ll be interesting to see who they cast for Doctor Fate and Cyclone.

Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani wrote the latest draft of the screenplay, with the previous written by Adam Sztykiel. Jaume Collet-Serra is attached to direct, Dwayne Johnson will be producing alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia under their Seven Bucks Productions banner, as well as Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo will also serve as executive producer.  Black Adam is being scheduled to commence production in late 2020 or spring 2021.

Aldis Hodge will now star alongside Dwayne Johnson and Noah Centineo.

Black Adam is currently scheduled for cinematic release on the 22nd December 2021.