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Timeline

Black Adam (2022) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 125 min · English
Echo score 55
JustWatch #9,381 19
Directed by
Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring
Dwayne Johnson, Viola Davis, Marwan Kenzari, Noah Centineo, Pierce Brosnan, Aldis Hodge
Budget
$200M

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson portrays Black Adam, a powerful demigod awakened after thousands of years. Driven by a fierce sense of justice, he emerges to a modern world vastly different from the one he knew. Possessing extraordinary abilities, Black Adam challenges the traditional notions of heroism, sparking a clash between his methods and the established order. His arrival redefines morality and unleashes ancient fury upon the present day.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Black Adam
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Black Adam (2022)

Where can you watch Black Adam? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on HBO Max, Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Black Adam Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Black Adam (2022) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. King Anh-Kot's Reign

    Five thousand years ago, the city of Kahndaq suffered under the tyranny of King Anh-Kot, who enslaved the populace to extract a mystical crystal known as 'Eternium'. His ultimate goal was to forge the Crown of Sabbac, an artifact believed to grant immense power to its bearer, thereby consolidating his rule and suppressing any opposition.

    When
    5000 years ago
    Where
    Kahndaq
  2. The Boy's Rebellion

    Amidst the oppression, a brave young boy emerged as a beacon of hope, inspiring a rebellion among the enslaved workers. With courage in his heart, he harnessed the mysterious power of Shazam, transforming into Teth Adam, and confronted Anh-Kot with newfound strength.

    When
    5000 years ago
    Where
    Kahndaq
  3. Teth Adam's Victory

    In a fierce battle, Teth Adam defeated King Anh-Kot, ending the tyrant's brutal regime. The people of Kahndaq rejoiced in their liberation, marking a new era of hope and freedom.

    When
    5000 years ago
    Where
    Kahndaq
  4. Present-Day Threat

    Fast forward to the present day, Kahndaq faces a new threat from the criminal organization known as Intergang. Driven by greed and power, they seek the Crown of Sabbac to wield its formidable might, endangering the freedom of the citizens once more.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  5. Adrianna's Quest

    Archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz, accompanied by her brother Karim and allies, embarks on a perilous mission to retrieve the Crown of Sabbac. Together, they navigate danger and deception, motivated by a desire to protect their homeland from Intergang's sinister ambitions.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  6. Tragedy Strikes

    After successfully retrieving the crown, Adrianna and her team are ambushed by Intergang operatives, leading to a tragic loss with the death of Samir. This harrowing event ignites a desperate struggle for survival and power as Adrianna catalyzes a series of risky choices.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  7. Awakening Teth Adam

    In a moment of unforeseen danger, Adrianna accidentally recites an incantation that awakens Teth Adam from his slumber. This shocking revival leads to a fierce confrontation with Intergang soldiers, showcasing Adam's immense strength and ferocity.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  8. Intergang's True Colors

    As the chaos unfolds, it's revealed that Ishmael, one of Adrianna's companions, is secretly aligned with Intergang. His betrayal becomes apparent when he deploys an Eternium missile, critically injuring Adam and leaving him comatose as the struggle for the crown intensifies.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  9. Amanda Waller's Involvement

    Amidst the turmoil, government agent Amanda Waller decides to intervene. She recruits Hawkman and the Justice Society of America, tasking them with capturing Teth Adam before he causes more destruction in the battle against Intergang.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Unknown
  10. Amon's Defiance

    Adrianna's son Amon believes that Teth Adam is Kahndaq's savior, leading him to engage with Intergang in a series of reckless acts. This results in conflict, prompting Adam to act in defense of Amon, demonstrating his protective instincts amidst uncertainties.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  11. The Crown's Transfer

    When Amon ultimately gains possession of the Crown of Sabbac, he returns home only to confront Ishmael, who reveals his true intentions by shooting Karim and attempting to seize control. This act of deceit thrusts Amon into grave danger, further complicating the struggle over the crown.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  12. Ishmael's Betrayal

    In a desperate plea, Amon calls for Teth Adam's help as Ishmael kidnaps him and flees on an Eternium bike. This shocking turn of events escalates the conflict, ultimately leading to a dark confrontation over the crown and Amon's fate.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  13. Sabbac's Awakening

    Ishmael's machinations culminate in his resurrection as Sabbac, unleashing an army of the undead on Kahndaq. This sets the stage for an epic battle, pitting the forces of good against a resurrected dark power seeking vengeance.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq
  14. The Final Showdown

    The Justice Society faces Sabbac in a climactic confrontation, with heroes wielding their powers against overwhelming odds. In critical moments of sacrifice and bravery, they seek to protect Kahndaq from the chaos unleashed by the nefarious villain.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Ruins of Anh-Kot
  15. A New Protector

    After intense battles, Adam finds redemption and embraces his role as protector of Kahndaq. In a bittersweet finale, he parts ways with the Justice Society amicably while a mid-credits scene hints at new threats on the horizon as Waller warns him of Superman's arrival.

    When
    Present Day
    Where
    Kahndaq

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:48

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Timeline questions answered

Black Adam Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Black Adam (2022): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Black Adam attack Intergang soldiers?

Black Adam attacks Intergang because they are oppressing the people of Kahndaq, similar to how King Anh-Kot enslaved the population 5000 years ago. When Adrianna accidentally awakens Adam, he witnesses Intergang terrorizing civilians and using violence to seize the Crown of Sabbac, triggering his protective instincts against tyrannical rulers.

  • black adam
  • intergang
  • kahndaq
  • attack
  • soldiers
Q2

Why does Ishmael betray Adrianna and the team?

Ishmael betrays Adrianna because he is secretly the last heir of King Anh-Kot, the tyrant who ruled Kahndaq 5000 years ago. His entire goal is to obtain the Crown of Sabbac to restore his family's power and claim the throne that was taken from his ancestor by Teth Adam.

  • ishmael
  • betrayal
  • adrianna
  • king anh-kot
  • intergang
Q3

What is the Crown of Sabbac and why is it important?

The Crown of Sabbac is an ancient artifact crafted from Eternium that grants immense power to whoever wears it. King Anh-Kot created it to consolidate his rule over Kahndaq, and both Intergang and Ishmael seek it to gain god-like abilities and control over the region.

Foreshadowing: The crown was forged 5000 years ago by King Anh-Kot using stolen Eternium from enslaved workers.

  • crown of sabbac
  • eternium
  • artifact
  • power
Q4

What does the inscription "Life is the only way to Death" mean?

The inscription reveals that the Crown of Sabbac can only be defeated through life force rather than conventional weapons. This becomes critical during the final battle when Adam and Hawkman must use Doctor Fate's magical essence combined with life energy to destroy Sabbac, who draws power from death and the undead.

  • inscription
  • life
  • death
  • sabbac
  • crown
Q5

Why does the Justice Society try to capture Black Adam?

The Justice Society views Black Adam as a dangerous threat because he uses lethal force and causes massive collateral damage. After witnessing Adam brutally kill numerous Intergang soldiers and destroy large portions of Kahndaq, Amanda Waller orders his capture to prevent further destruction, despite Adam's intentions being to protect the city.

Foreshadowing: Adam's violent methods during his first confrontation with Intergang alarms both the heroes and government officials.

  • justice society
  • hawkman
  • capture
  • threat
Q6

Why does Doctor Fate sacrifice himself to free Black Adam?

Doctor Fate sacrifices himself because Adam is the only one capable of defeating Sabbac, who has become an overwhelming threat to Kahndaq. Using his magical abilities, Fate breaks Adam free from his underwater cell, allowing him to join the battle, though Sabbac kills Fate in the process.

  • doctor fate
  • sacrifice
  • prison
  • escape
  • sabbac
Q7

How does Ishmael become Sabbac?

After being shot during the confrontation at the ruins, Ishmael takes the Crown of Sabbac and apparently dies, but the crown resurrects him as Sabbac, a powerful undead entity with demonic abilities. This transformation occurs because the crown grants immortality through dark magic tied to death itself.

Foreshadowing: Ishmael reveals he is the heir of King Anh-Kot, and the crown contains ancient magic from the same era.

  • ishmael
  • sabbac
  • resurrection
  • crown
  • undead
Q8

Why does Black Adam decide to protect Kahndaq at the end?

Black Adam decides to protect Kahndaq after learning the truth about his past. He reveals to Hawkman that 5000 years ago, his son Hurut was Kahndaq's champion who was brutally killed by King Anh-Kot's men. Realizing his powers were meant to protect the oppressed rather than destroy, Adam accepts responsibility as Kahndaq's protector instead of seeking revenge or domination.

Foreshadowing: Adam's emotional connection to Amon and his hesitation to be called a savior hint at his deeper history with Kahndaq.

  • black adam
  • kahndaq
  • protector
  • hawkman
  • redemption
Q9

What is Black Adam's connection to Shazam?

Black Adam's powers come from the same magical source as Shazam, the ancient wizard. 5000 years ago, the young boy who became Teth Adam received the same lightning power from Shazam, giving him superhuman strength, speed, and the ability to fly. However, Adam's powers are considered more aggressive and dangerous than Shazam's typical heroes.

Foreshadowing: The young boy in the flashback transforms into Teth Adam using the same lightning ritual described in DC lore.

  • shazam
  • wizard
  • lightning
  • power
  • magic
Q10

Why is Black Adam imprisoned at the end of the movie?

Black Adam is imprisoned in Amanda Waller's underwater facility after the battle with Intergang because he caused massive destruction and used lethal force. However, he is released when Sabbac attacks Kahndaq, as the Justice Society realizes they need his power to stop the greater threat.

  • imprisoned
  • waller
  • facility
  • underwater
Q11

Who was Hurut, Black Adam's son from 5000 years ago?

Hurut was Black Adam's son and Kahndaq's original champion who possessed the same powers as his father. When King Anh-Kot sought to maintain his tyranny, his men captured and killed Hurut to eliminate the threat to his rule. This tragedy haunts Adam throughout the millennia, and revealing this story to Hawkman becomes the catalyst for Adam's redemption.

Foreshadowing: Adam's reluctance to be seen as a savior and his deep connection to protecting children hint at a painful personal loss.

  • hurut
  • son
  • champion
  • khanneq
  • history
Q12

What happens in the Black Adam mid-credits scene?

In the mid-credits scene, Amanda Warner warns Black Adam that Superman is coming, suggesting the Man of Steel will confront Adam over his methods. The scene ends with Superman appearing behind Black Adam, setting up a potential future confrontation between the two powerful DC heroes.

  • mid-credits
  • superman
  • warner
  • confrontation

Movie threads

More Movies Like Black Adam, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Black Adam tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Brutal Anti-Hero Movies like Black Adam

Stories where powerful figures challenge justice with violent, ambiguous methods. Explore a collection of action-packed movies like Black Adam, featuring complex anti-heroes who use brutal methods for justice. If you enjoyed the moral ambiguity and destructive power of Dwayne Johnson's character, you'll find similar stories of vengeance, redemption, and challenged ideals in these films.

  • brutal
  • vengeful
  • moral ambiguity
  • destructive
  • powerful
  • redemptive
  • Tone: dark, vengeful, morally ambiguous
  • Pacing: fast, driven by conflict
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically follow a powerful, often tormented figure re-entering a world they no longer recognize. Their harsh methods, born from personal tragedy or a different moral code, put them at odds with systemic heroes or villains. The central conflict revolves around whether their ends justify their means, often culminating in a clash that redefines justice.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on a protagonist who defies clean hero/villain binaries. They share a dark tone, high emotional weight from themes like loss and vengeance, and an exploration of whether violence can be a legitimate tool for justice.

Movies about Ancient Power like Black Adam

Mythical forces or beings emerge into contemporary society, causing epic chaos. Discover films similar to Black Adam where ancient powers or beings awaken in the modern world. If you liked the theme of a demigod confronting today's society, you'll enjoy these stories featuring epic clashes, world-altering threats, and the chaos of myth meeting modernity.

  • epic
  • destructive
  • powerful
  • ancient
  • chaotic
  • mythical
  • Tone: epic, dark, destructive
  • Pacing: fast, large-scale action
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves the awakening or discovery of a long-dormant power that disrupts the status quo. The modern world struggles to comprehend, control, or defeat this ancient force, leading to massive conflicts. The story often follows the powerful entity itself as it grapples with a changed world, or the people who must respond to its arrival.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their core premise of a primordial force colliding with the present day. They share an epic scale, high-intensity action sequences involving mass destruction, and themes of power, responsibility, and the juxtaposition of old and new.

If you liked this

Movies Like Black Adam

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Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Black Adam (2022) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

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