Dwayne Johnson requested more muscular Black Adam action figure during the creation of merchandise for the 2022 film, a decision that led to meaningful discussion and eventual changes in the toy’s design. The process took place with input from Todd McFarlane and his team, reflecting the complicated journey from concept to collectible in the world of licensed action figures.
The Collaborative Journey of Action Figure Design
The process behind producing action figures, especially those based on film characters, is more involved than simply modeling a character and pressing a button. Toy design requires meticulous planning, approval from licensors, and when actor likenesses are involved, actors themselves often have a say in the final product. For the figures inspired by Black Adam, this collaboration provided fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the toy industry’s rigorous standards.
At the center of this story is Todd McFarlane, well-known businessman and creator within the collectibles industry. McFarlane discussed the process in an interview with Popverse, offering insight into how the figures are refined to meet expectations. Dwayne Johnson’s sole request was for his figurine to better display his chiseled physique, which McFarlane recounted with candor.
Recently, we had to get approval on ‘Black Adam,’ and Dwayne Johnson’s only comment was — which I think he was right — was, ‘Can you make me more ripped?’ It actually seems like a silly one, but it actually was right, because I think we all, in our mind, have a romantic version of many people, and the costume itself wasn’t showing off his muscles. We were super accurate to the costume, it’s just that the costume wasn’t showing it off, so he just wanted us to show it off a bit more. We took a little bit of artistic license to do it. I think it was the right move.
—Todd McFarlane, Businessman and Creator
Although some fans joked about Johnson’s focus on his muscles or connected it to his famous on-screen presence, the intent was serious. The finalized action figure, according to those involved, should authentically represent the actor’s actual build and presence. In the context of the toy industry, first drafts rarely reflect the final version, with each iteration shaped by feedback from manufacturers, licensors, and key stakeholders such as actors themselves.
McFarlane’s Flexible Approach to Creative Requests
Todd McFarlane emphasized that requests like Johnson’s are simply part of the approval process in toymaking, even if they sometimes seem minor or amusing. The ultimate objective remains getting final approval so that the toy can reach fans and collectors.
Let me tell you that even if I disagree, the client is always right. I’m looking for an approval. Hey, if you want me to give you two heads, I’ll give you two heads. Whatever you need for me to get a sign off.
—Todd McFarlane, Businessman and Creator
This attitude highlights the collaborative, sometimes unpredictable dynamics between those molding the physical toys and the individuals whose likenesses they seek to capture. Every adjustment serves a unified goal: delivering an action figure that resonates with buyers and truly mirrors the character as seen on screen. Johnson’s feedback, therefore, helped McFarlane’s development team enhance the authenticity of the Black Adam toy.
The Value of Accuracy in Action Figures
Johnson’s viewpoint finds support in the wider world of action figure collecting. Many fans can point to figures where the physical proportions do not quite match the actor or character they are intended to represent. A recent example includes Hot Toys’ release of Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker from “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Collectors noted that, while the paint and details were faithful, the underlying frame failed to capture Maguire’s broader body type.
Through his attention to detail, Johnson avoided this kind of inaccuracy for Black Adam. As a result, the action figure released for McFarlane Toys was not only more muscular but also a more faithful tribute to the character and the movie itself. This adjustment underscores the importance of strong collaboration between actors, companies like McFarlane Toys, and those who ultimately purchase these collectibles.
Looking Ahead for Collectibles and Collaboration
The story of Dwayne Johnson’s involvement in fine-tuning his Black Adam action figure highlights the evolving nature of the toy industry, where authenticity, feedback, and creative flexibility matter as much as mass production or speed. With figures like Todd McFarlane, Dwayne Johnson, and others engaged at every level, fans can expect more accurate and desirable collectibles in future releases.
