When designing the Dwayne Johnson Black Adam figure, the actor requested his action figure to appear more muscular than initially planned. Todd McFarlane, the creator behind McFarlane Toys, recently revealed that Johnson wanted the figure’s musculature emphasized to better reflect his on-screen physique. This interaction took place during the approval process for the Black Adam collectible, demonstrating Johnson’s close involvement in ensuring an accurate representation of his character.
Balancing Screen Accuracy and Artistic Interpretation
McFarlane explained that the first versions of the figure closely followed the film costume, which didn’t fully showcase Johnson’s powerful build. Johnson’s feedback prompted designers to take
“a little bit of artistic license,”
enhancing the figure’s muscle definition beyond the confines of the screen-accurate suit. According to McFarlane, this adjustment was important because many people imagine a more heroic or idealized version of familiar figures, and the film’s costume didn’t fully communicate Johnson’s imposing physique.
“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, Comic Creator and Toy Mogul
Client Approval Remains Paramount in Figure Development
Throughout the toy-making process, McFarlane stressed that final design decisions always prioritize the client’s desires, regardless of his personal opinions. Johnson’s specific request for the enhanced muscular detail exemplifies this collaborative approach, ensuring the figure reflects the actor’s vision of Black Adam. McFarlane expressed his willingness to accommodate whatever changes are needed for approval.
“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, Comic Creator and Toy Mogul
Significance of Accurate Physical Representation in Collectibles
Johnson’s insistence on showcasing a more muscular version of Black Adam highlights a broader challenge in the collectible market—accurately capturing an actor’s physique. Many licensed figures have faced criticism for failing to reflect the real-life chemistry and details of their subjects. For instance, some fans pointed out that the Hot Toys figure of Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man in “No Way Home” appeared too slender compared to the famously stocky portrayal by Maguire. The adjustment to the Black Adam figure demonstrates an effort to avoid such discrepancies by closely aligning the collectible with Johnson’s portrayal.
Collaborative Effort Reflects Dedication to Fans and Collectors
The final Black Adam figure, enhanced with extra muscle detail in response to Johnson’s feedback, exemplifies the dedication of McFarlane Toys to producing faithful and visually impressive collectibles. This process reflects the importance of collaboration between licensors and creators to satisfy both the fans and the actors who define these characters. As specialized action figures continue gaining popularity, respecting these nuances becomes critical for the authenticity and appeal of licensed merchandise.
