Black Adam
Working with a major studio investment of $200.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $393.5M in global revenue (+97% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Teth-Adam / Black Adam
Hawkman / Carter Hall
Doctor Fate / Kent Nelson
Adrianna Tomaz
Cyclone / Maxine Hunkel
Atom Smasher / Albert Rothstein
Ishmael Gregor / Sabbac
Amon Tomaz
Main Cast & Characters
Teth-Adam / Black Adam
Played by Dwayne Johnson
An ancient antihero awakened in modern times, seeking vengeance with godlike powers but learning the cost of heroism.
Hawkman / Carter Hall
Played by Aldis Hodge
The leader of the Justice Society, a winged warrior who believes in honor and following the rules.
Doctor Fate / Kent Nelson
Played by Pierce Brosnan
A mystical sorcerer who sees the future and serves as the wise elder of the Justice Society.
Adrianna Tomaz
Played by Sarah Shahi
A university professor and resistance fighter who awakens Black Adam to free her country from oppression.
Cyclone / Maxine Hunkel
Played by Quintessa Swindell
A young Justice Society member with wind powers who believes in redemption and second chances.
Atom Smasher / Albert Rothstein
Played by Noah Centineo
A size-changing hero and newest Justice Society member eager to prove himself and follow his uncle's legacy.
Ishmael Gregor / Sabbac
Played by Marwan Kenzari
The leader of the Intergang mercenaries who seeks demonic power to rule Kahndaq.
Amon Tomaz
Played by Bodhi Sabongui
Adrianna's resourceful young son who idolizes superheroes and befriends Black Adam.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ancient Kahndaq: Young slave Teth-Adam witnesses his son's death and the oppression of his people by the tyrannical king, establishing the world of suffering that created Black Adam.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Adrianna is cornered by Intergang mercenaries in the temple and speaks the incantation that awakens Teth-Adam from his 5,000-year imprisonment, unleashing devastating power.. At 10% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 21% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The Justice Society (Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Cyclone, Atom Smasher) arrives in Kahndaq and confronts Black Adam, demanding he surrender. Black Adam refuses to bow to anyone, choosing to fight rather than submit., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 73 minutes (61% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Black Adam is betrayed and captured by the Justice Society. He surrenders peacefully to protect Kahndaq from Waller's threats. Adam is imprisoned in a containment pod and taken away, losing his freedom and abandoning the people who needed him., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 66% of the runtime. Black Adam and the Justice Society unite to battle Sabbac. Adam fights to protect rather than for revenge. He defeats Sabbac by ripping him in half and sending him to hell. Adam chooses to stay in Kahndaq as its protector, not ruler., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Black Adam's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Black Adam against these established plot points, we can identify how the filmmaker utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Black Adam within its genre.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ancient Kahndaq: Young slave Teth-Adam witnesses his son's death and the oppression of his people by the tyrannical king, establishing the world of suffering that created Black Adam.
Theme
Adrianna tells her son Amon about heroes and legends. Amon states the thematic question: "Heroes don't kill people" - establishing the moral divide between heroism and vengeance.
Worldbuilding
Modern Kahndaq under Intergang occupation. Adrianna Tomaz searches for the Crown of Sabbac with her team. Establishes the oppressed nation, the resistance movement, and the mystical MacGuffin that will awaken Black Adam.
Disruption
Adrianna is cornered by Intergang mercenaries in the temple and speaks the incantation that awakens Teth-Adam from his 5,000-year imprisonment, unleashing devastating power.
Resistance
Black Adam awakens and brutally kills Intergang soldiers. Adrianna and Karim debate whether this violent force is their champion or a threat. Amanda Waller activates the Justice Society to intervene in Kahndaq.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The Justice Society (Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Cyclone, Atom Smasher) arrives in Kahndaq and confronts Black Adam, demanding he surrender. Black Adam refuses to bow to anyone, choosing to fight rather than submit.
Premise
Black Adam battles the Justice Society across Kahndaq. The promise of the premise: watching an anti-hero with Superman-level powers clash with established heroes while bonding with Amon and learning about modern heroism.
Opposition
Ishmael Gregor manipulates events to obtain the Crown of Sabbac. Tensions rise between Adam and Hawkman over methods. Amanda Waller orders Adam's capture. The truth about Adam's past is revealed: he was not the champion but took the power to avenge his son.
Collapse
Black Adam is betrayed and captured by the Justice Society. He surrenders peacefully to protect Kahndaq from Waller's threats. Adam is imprisoned in a containment pod and taken away, losing his freedom and abandoning the people who needed him.
Crisis
Ishmael becomes Sabbac, a demon lord who begins destroying Kahndaq. The Justice Society fights but is overpowered. Hawkman realizes they need Adam. In his prison, Adam reflects on his choices and Amon's words about heroism.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Black Adam and the Justice Society unite to battle Sabbac. Adam fights to protect rather than for revenge. He defeats Sabbac by ripping him in half and sending him to hell. Adam chooses to stay in Kahndaq as its protector, not ruler.