No one is safe from the far-reaching influence of Marvel and DC in the current cinematic landscape. Not even Pierce Brosnan, who reports confirm has just been cast as Doctor Fate in the DC Universe. Set to debut fully costumed alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in New Line’s upcoming Black Adam – the sequel to Shazam! starring Zachary Levi – this marks the beloved former Bond actor’s first foray in the realm of superhero films. But only because 007 technically doesn’t count.
For the uninitiated, Doctor Fate – real name: Kent Nelson – is a founding member of the Justice Society of America (a precursor to the Justice League), who gains the power of sorcery when he dons the Helmet of Fate. Entrusted with maintaining the crucial balance between order and chaos, as well as enforcing your more casual levels of justice, essentially, Doctor Fate is the DC Universe’s version of Doctor Strange, currently portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch – although it should be noted the former character arrived long before the latter was conceived.
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In addition to Johnson who will lead as the titular Black Adam – a cosmic anti-hero / supervillain – Brosnan will be joining the likes of Noah Centineo, Aldis Hodge, and Quintessa Swindell who have signed on to portray fellow JSA members: Atom Smasher, Hawkman, and Cyclone, respectively.
At this stage, the film is being directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who previously collaborated with The Rock in Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani (Informer, The Mauritian) have penned the latest draft of the screenplay, with a previous iteration written by Adam Sztykiel (Due Date, Rampage). Story details have yet to be revealed.
Black Adam is scheduled to begin production in Atlanta during the coming weeks. Originally, the release date was set for December 22nd, but it’s safe to assume we’ll have to wait just a little longer to experience Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate.
