Black Adam is set to finally introduce the World's Mightiest Amoral Mortal to the DC Extended Universe. Far different in tone than the Shazam! movies, the film will likely expand on their pre-established mythology, all the while introducing Black Adam's supporting cast. Members of said supporting cast may, in fact, include two people that are especially close to the ruler of Kahndaq.
The first trailer for Black Adam shows not only the titular character but a few citizens of his home country. Two of them are apparently the DCEU versions of Isis and Osiris, the wife and brother-in-law of the antihero. Though they have an important history in modern DC Comics, they're now significantly less vital, likely due to real-world politics. Here's the history of Black Adam's dark Shazam Family, as well as how the movie might be introducing them.
Who are Isis and Osiris of the Black Adam Family?
The superhero Isis officially debuted back in the 1970s, but not in the comics. Instead, she first appeared in the TV show The Secrets of Isis, which was a companion series to the live-action Shazam! series. Isis was actually school teacher Andrea Thomas, who, with the help of a magic Egyptian amulet, could transform into the goddess Isis. Her show would cross over with Captain Marvel's, but it would be years before she would join the Shazam mythology proper.
This happened in the comic book series 52, where the character's alter ego was now a modern Egyptian woman named Adrianna Tomaz. Enslaved while seeking refuge, she is found by Black Adam, who takes a liking to her strong will and caring demeanor. Bestowed with an ancient amulet infused with the magic of Shazam, Adrianna gains the powers of Isis, thereafter venturing with Black Adam to change the world and find her brother. The boy is left unable to walk by Intergang (homaging the disability of Captain Marvel, Jr.), but upon finding him, Black Adam gives the youth some of his own power. Becoming the mighty Osiris, he joins the Black Adam Family, with his sister and Black Adam having been wed.
Sadly, the New 52 got rid of these characters from their former prominence, having retconned the entire Shazam history. Amon and Adrianna do appear, but they never become Isis and Osiris. This was likely due to the unfortunate rise of the real-world terrorist group ISIS, which has no connection. The TV show Legends of Tomorrow renamed and changed Adrianna and Amon entirely, further separating them from any potential controversy. Nevertheless, the Black Adam movie seems to be introducing them, and it should go all the way.
Will Black Adam Introduce Isis to the DCEU?
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The DCEU versions of Adrianna and Amon can briefly be seen in the trailer for Black Adam, namely the former. Played by Sarah Shahi and Bodhi Sabongui, the two somewhat resemble amalgams of their post-Crisis and New 52 incarnations. Adrianna is a Kahndaqui professor, homaging her role as a teacher in the original show. Intergang is also said to be in the movie, perhaps hinting that the film will adapt their history with Amon from the comics.
Despite how important they are to Black Adam, these two characters have not been emphasized as much in marketing, especially in comparison to the Justice Society of America. This would suggest that they will not be empowered in this film, or perhaps even in future movies. At the same time, the DCEU is supposedly building up to a showdown between Black Adam and Shazam, the latter of whom has a family fighting alongside him. It's only fair, in that case, that Black Adam bring in a few family members of his own, perhaps turning Adrianna and Amon into Isis and Osiris in the tentative sequel. Black Adam may or may not firmly refer to them by these names, but they're clearly meant to have a role in the future. Hopefully, that role will involve rebuilding Kahndaq as the family of Black Adam.
To see if they achieve superhero status, Black Adam premieres in theaters on October 21.
