Warning! SPOILERS for Black AdamDebuting a new kind of protector in the DCEU, Black Adam features several exciting Easter eggs and references to the greater universe, as well as to the original DC Comics. Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Teth-Adam, the ancient champion of Kahndaq enters the modern world after his 5,000-year imprisonment. After his presence gains the attentions of several heroes and villains, Teth-Adam has to decide whether he'll be the world's destroyer or its savior as he becomes Black Adam.
Black Adam features brand-new character debuts in the DCEU, such as the modern Justice Society of America and the criminal organization Intergang. Likewise, several Easter eggs and callbacks are made to the original comics, as audiences are introduced to the fictional nation of Kahndaq. There are also plenty of exciting cameos along the way. Here's every major Easter egg and references in Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam.
1. Black Adam's Nation Of Khandaq
Black Adam opens in the ancient past to introduce Kahndaq, a nation older than Rome and Babylon. Ruled by the dark King Anh-Kot, Kahndaq's people were enslaved until their champion rose, chosen by the Council of Wizards with the power of gods. As seen throughout the movie and even in the modern iteration of Kahndaq, there are major elements of the capital city that are accurate to the comics such as the two statues of kneeling men in front of the ancient palace.
2. Eternium, The DCEU's Newest Metal
Eternium is the first fictional and powerful new metal to be introduced in Black Adam. Capable of harnessing magical power and harming magical beings such as Teth-Adam, Eternium was established in the comics as the shattered pieces of the powerful Rock of Eternity. Mined by Intergang and used for their bikes and weapons, it was also used to craft the Crown of Sabbac.
3. Council of Wizards' History With Teth-Adam And Rock of Eternity
Black Adam reveals the history of Teth-Adam and how he was allegedly chosen by the Council of Wizards to become their champion. Wielding the Stamina of Shu, the Speed of Horus, the Strength of Amon, Widsom of Zehuti, Power of Aton, and Courage of Mehen, Teth-Adam's powerful magical form comes from saying the name "Shazam," just like the DCEU's Billy Batson. The Rock of Eternity can also be seen during flashbacks to the champion of Kahndaq's transformation, revealed to actually be Teth-Adam's son Hurut before he gave his power to Adam to save his father's life.
4. Intergang Are Black Adam's Primary Villains
Led by Ishmael Gregor, Intergang is an international terrorist organization who took over Kahndaq in their desire to mine Eternium and find the Crown of Sabbac. Using hover-bikes and wielding weapons powered by the magical metal, Intergang poses a significant threat to Teth-Adam who eventually agrees to help liberate the nation from its years of oppressions from foreign invaders (Intergang simply being the most recent). In the original comics, Intergang followed the Religion of Crime, an ancient guide created by Darkseid.
5. Adrianna and Amon Tomaz Make Their DCEU Debut In Black Adam
The primary Kahndaqi citizens Teth-Adam interacts with in the modern DCEU, Adrianna Tomaz is a scholar seeking to find the Crown of Sabbac and keep it out of Intergang's hands. She is also mother to Amon, who believes Teth-Adam can finally be the hero their nation never had. In the comics, Adrianna was Black Adam's second wife and Amon was her brother. Adam also shared his power with his new family, respectively naming them Isis and Osiris, mirroring Billy Batson who shares his power with his own family.
6. Amon’s DC Comics In Black Adam
While distracting the Intergang soldiers so his mother can escape the city, Amon's backpack is knocked to the ground and several comics fall out starring the heroes of the DCEU. Many of these look to be actual DC titles from the Rebirth era such as Cyborg, Wonder Woman, and Flash.
7. "Paint It, Black" By The Rolling Stones Plays In Black Adam's First Fight
Upon exiting the mountain where he had been entombed, Black Adam battles Intergang's forces to the song "Paint It, Black" by the Rolling Stones. Not only does it work as an effective theme for the aptly named character, but composer Lorne Balfe subtly teases the song's use within the film's score just before Adam engages the helicopters and forces positioned outside the mountain.
8. JSA's DCEU Debut And Partnership With Amanda Waller
Black Adam's first battle in the modern era gains the attentions of Task Force X's Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) who has a partnership with Hawkman of the Justice Society of America (Aldis Hodge). Promising to have a cell ready if the JSA can bring Black Adam in, Carter Hall assembles a team to bring the awakened Black Adam to justice, having ancient texts confirming the rage-fueled destruction that led to his imprisonment. As such, Hawkman calls in Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher, and Cyclone as a new iteration of the Justice Society of America.
9. Cyclone's Origins And Red Tornado Alias
A new recruit to the team, Maxine Hunkel's Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) arrives to Hawkman's estate, her ID confirming her other alias as the Red Tornado. Later on, Maxine confirms her origins where she was taken by scientists and injected with nanobots. As such, it's likely that she was taken by the same scientist from the comics named T.O. Morrow, who also created the Red Tornado android.
10. Atom Smasher’s Uncle Al
A legacy hero as well, Albert Rothstein (Noah Centineo) inherited the suit and mantle of Atom Smasher from his Uncle Al who was on the original Justice Society. Uncle Al himself is played by Henry Winkler as a fun cameo who's hilariously concerned his nephew will somehow damage his old suit.
