The Black Adam movie, a part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), introduces the character of Black Adam, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Black Adam, a complex anti-hero, is one of the most powerful figures in the DC Comics universe, and his story delves into themes of justice, vengeance, and power. Released in 2022, the movie presents a new chapter in the superhero genre, showcasing Black Adam’s rise to power and his confrontation with various forces, including powerful villains.
While Black Adam himself is the central character, the film also features a number of antagonists, each with their own motivations and agendas. Understanding who the true villain is in Black Adam is essential to appreciating the depth of the plot and the film’s exploration of morality, power, and heroism. In this article, we will explore the main villains in Black Adam and examine their roles in the film, their connections to Black Adam, and how they contribute to the movie’s themes and conflicts.
The Central Character of Black Adam
Before we dive into the villains of the movie, it’s important to understand the character of Black Adam himself. Black Adam is a deeply complex figure. He is not a traditional hero but rather an anti-hero, driven by his desire for vengeance and justice. Originating from the fictional country of Kahndaq, Black Adam’s journey is one filled with betrayal, power struggles, and a search for redemption.
In the movie, Black Adam is awakened from his centuries-long slumber, and the world is not the same as it was when he first gained his powers. His ancient abilities come from the Egyptian gods, and he wields the powers of the gods of Egyptian mythology: Shu, Heru, Amon, Zehuti, Aton, and Mehen, which grant him immense strength, speed, and other abilities. His ruthless desire for justice leads him to clash with both heroes and villains alike, setting the stage for the film’s central conflicts.
However, despite his seemingly heroic motives, Black Adam’s actions are often brutal and unrelenting, making him a morally ambiguous character. This complexity raises the question of who the real villain is in the story. While Black Adam’s struggle is at the center of the film, the villains play significant roles in challenging him and forcing him to confront his own choices.
The Main Villain: Ishmael Gregor / Sabbac
In Black Adam, the primary villain is Ishmael Gregor, who becomes the powerful demon Sabbac. Ishmael Gregor is a key figure in the film’s plot, and his transformation into Sabbac is a central element of the conflict.
Who Is Ishmael Gregor?
Ishmael Gregor is portrayed by actor Marwan Kenzari. In the film, he is a criminal mastermind with connections to the terrorist organization Intergang. He seeks to control the powerful forces within Kahndaq, the ancient city that Black Adam once ruled. Gregor is a villain who uses his intellect, resources, and influence to manipulate others for his own gain. He is an ambitious man who desires power above all else.
Gregor is initially introduced as a man who appears to have a genuine interest in the fate of Kahndaq. He presents himself as someone who is trying to bring order to the country, but his true motives are far more sinister. His ambition leads him to seek the power of the ancient demon Sabbac, which can grant him overwhelming strength and control.
Sabbac: The Demon and Its Powers
Sabbac, a name that resonates with fear and malevolence, is a key figure in the film’s narrative. The character of Sabbac is based on the DC Comics character, an ancient demon with incredible powers. The character first appeared in The Power of Shazam! #2 in 1973, and over the years, Sabbac has been portrayed as a major antagonist to various DC heroes, including Shazam and Black Adam.
In the movie, Ishmael Gregor seeks to become Sabbac, and he ultimately succeeds through dark magic and his own manipulation. The transformation into Sabbac is marked by the absorption of the demon’s powers, granting him vast strength, durability, and the ability to command fire and dark magic. Sabbac’s power is immense, and he becomes a formidable threat to Black Adam and the people of Kahndaq.
Ishmael Gregor’s Motivation and Goals
Ishmael Gregor’s motivations are primarily driven by his desire for power and control over Kahndaq. He believes that by wielding the powers of Sabbac, he can become an unstoppable force and reshape the world according to his will. His quest for dominance is rooted in a personal vendetta against the people of Kahndaq, and he sees the ancient powers of Sabbac as a means to achieve his ultimate goal of ruling the world.
Gregor’s villainy lies in his willingness to do anything to achieve his aims, including resorting to dark magic, manipulation, and violence. He views the people of Kahndaq as pawns in his quest for power and sees no value in their lives. This ruthlessness contrasts with Black Adam’s more personal and emotional approach to justice, which is one of the key elements that sets the two characters apart.
The Role of Intergang in the Story
Another important element in the villainous forces of Black Adam is the organization known as Intergang. Intergang is a criminal syndicate that plays a key role in the film’s plot. The group is not just an ordinary gang of criminals but a powerful and organized force with connections to alien technology and dark magic.
In the film, Intergang is shown to be operating in Kahndaq, exploiting the country’s political instability and attempting to control its resources. The organization is responsible for the unrest in Kahndaq and has been in direct conflict with Black Adam for many years. While they do not serve as the main villain of the movie, their actions serve as a backdrop to the larger conflict, and their influence contributes to the rise of characters like Ishmael Gregor, who seeks to manipulate them for his own gain.
The presence of Intergang further deepens the sense of corruption and lawlessness in Kahndaq, providing the perfect setting for Black Adam to return and challenge the forces that have taken over the country. The organization’s connection to dark powers and criminal activities also adds another layer of complexity to the story, as it becomes clear that the fight between Black Adam and Sabbac is part of a larger struggle for control over Kahndaq.
The Justice Society of America (JSA) and Their Opposition to Black Adam
While Black Adam is the primary antagonist in some respects, his struggle is also influenced by the Justice Society of America (JSA), a group of superheroes who aim to stop him. The JSA consists of several powerful heroes, including Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher. Their role in the film is to confront Black Adam and prevent him from using his powers to dominate Kahndaq and the world.
The JSA is portrayed as the voice of reason in the film, representing a more traditional approach to justice. They believe that Black Adam’s actions, while perhaps rooted in a desire for vengeance, are too dangerous and could lead to greater destruction. This creates an interesting moral dilemma, as Black Adam’s desire for justice contrasts with the JSA’s more structured sense of order.
While not villains in the traditional sense, the JSA represents a significant opposition to Black Adam. Their presence challenges Black Adam’s beliefs about right and wrong and forces him to confront his past actions. The ultimate clash between Black Adam and the JSA highlights the complexities of heroism and villainy, as both sides have valid reasons for their actions.
Conclusion
In Black Adam, the primary villain is Ishmael Gregor, who transforms into the demon Sabbac. His motivations are rooted in a desire for power and control over Kahndaq, and he seeks to use the ancient powers of Sabbac to achieve his goal of global domination. Sabbac’s immense power makes him a formidable foe for Black Adam, who is forced to confront not only his past but also the dark forces threatening the world.
While the Justice Society of America serves as an opposing force to Black Adam, their role is more about challenging his methods of justice rather than being outright villains. The film explores the complexities of heroism, villainy, and morality, offering a nuanced look at the character of Black Adam and the forces that stand against him. Ultimately, Black Adam is a story about power, redemption, and the gray areas between right and wrong, with Ishmael Gregor/Sabbac serving as the main antagonist who drives the central conflict of the film.
Related topics:
