According to the rumor, Marvel Studios was considering Dwayne Johnson to revive Apocalypse in the X-Men universe.
From the dark corners of social media to the headlines of the entertainment press, rumors are burning about Marvel Studios’ next big move. Among the most surprising and perhaps the most controversial speculations, the possibility that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known for his role in ‘Black Adam’, the dreaded X-Men villain, will enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to the prominent appearance of Men, Apocalypse.
Dwayne Johnson Marvel’s next big antagonist?
The phenomenon of leaking on social networks has been flying with the digital age, and some of those who call themselves experts have proven that they have valuable information. Among them, @MyTimeToShineH seems to have more of a right than wrong track record, which adds a level of credibility to his claims, though there’s always the question of whether they’re just flukes or genuine tips.
The news that Johnson will be playing N Sabah Noor aka Apocalypse comes at a critical time for the actor. After some setbacks at the box office and demanding professional decisions such as returning to wrestling and canceled projects, Johnson seems to be looking for a resurgence in his career. And what better way to do that than by playing one of Marvel’s most fearsome villains with his “fittest survivor” philosophy and ruthless ambition to shape the world in his image.
More than a bad guy
Created by Louise Simonson and Jackson Guise, Apocalypse first appeared in 1986’s X-Factor #5. This former mutant is a believer in extreme social Darwinism, interested in the evolution of mutant species at any cost. Often using methods that limit genocide. He considers himself an almost divine entity, imposing a vision of mutant supremacy on the world, and will not hesitate to use a group of followers known as the “Four Horsemen” to achieve his nefarious goals. This character was brought to the big screen by Oscar Isaac in 2016’s ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’, but with results that left fans wanting more.
Not only is it a chance for Johnson to play this role, but breathing new life into it without the overuse of CGI as was done with Thanos is an exciting prospect for fans. Additionally, his inclusion in the MCU could coincide with the long-awaited X-Men reboot, or he could appear as a villainous alter ego in future Avengers films.
A role that could change the course of “The Rock” in the film industry
Johnson has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry not only with his stunning physical presence, but also with his talent and ability to connect with audiences. However, playing a character as complex and dark as Apocalypse can give him a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as an actor. By bringing to life a villain with such a radical philosophy and power that rivals the MCU’s most powerful characters, Johnson is able to break away from the typical superhero roles he’s played in the past.
Additionally, this role has the potential to reinvent the narrative around villains in the Marvel Universe, similar to that achieved by Thanos. When comparing Apocalypse to other antagonists, it stands out for its age and apocalyptic perspective, which could enrich the tapestry of MCU stories and provide new emotional and philosophical depth to future Marvel products. Not only is this new direction a necessary refresher for the genre, but it could set a new standard for comic book characters adapted for film.
Take rumors with a grain of salt
However, as is often the case with these types of leaks, it is wise to maintain a healthy skepticism. The film industry is full of unexpected twists and turns, and although the idea of seeing “The Rock” as an apocalypse is attractive, only time will tell if these rumors will come to pass or dissolve.
In the meantime, fans can only hope that this turn could be the key to Johnson redefining his acting direction and reclaiming his status as an action star, moving away from his less-than-stellar recent career and into a brighter future. Marvel’s Amazing Cosmos.