'Black Adam' star Sarah Shahi: 'I hope Hollywood becomes more colourblind' (exclusive)

Watch: Sarah Shahi talks to Yahoo about Black Adam

Although she may not flaunt any superpowers of her own in Black Adam — in cinemas and IMAX from tomorrow — Sarah Shahi loves that her character “does have this weird ability to become the Black Adam whisperer halfway through, so that in itself is kinda cool”.

The US actor, who is of Iranian descent, plays Adrianna, a former Kahndaqi college professor who has become the leader of a resistance movement fighting for the liberation of their country from Intergang, a villainous organisation who are mining Kahndaq’s natural resources.

Shahi is not the only actor of Middle Eastern descent in Black Adam. Marwan Kenzari, Bodhi Sabongui and Mohammed Amer all have impactful roles in the blockbuster film. The significance of that was not lost on Shahi, a 22-year acting veteran.

Read more: Aldis Hodge teases Black Adam link to other DC heroes

“For me to step onto this set… I had never worked with that many Middle Eastern people”, she tells Yahoo.

“To see so many people of my colour and my background, I was like “where have you guys been? Oh wow!” So it was really cool to be able to share that and the cultural references. It felt like being with family.”

“My hope is that Hollywood becomes more colourblind,” she continues. “I either don’t get roles because I’m too ethnic or sometimes I don’t get roles because I’m not ethnic enough.”

Read more: Everything you need to know about Black Adam

When Black Adam arrives on the scene, Adrianna befriends the powerful antihero.

“It’s a privilege to represent the common person," says Shahi.

“So to play this character… her superpower is her heart. She’s fighting for the safety of her son, and her country. She’s leading the rebellion against the oppression.”

“All around the world right now we’re seeing people that are fighting for freedom and fighting for change," Shahi continues.

“I’m Persian, so everything that is happening in Iran right now is very close to me.”

With any luck, Black Adam will help inspire further change.

Black Adam is heading to UK cinemas and IMAX on 21 October. Watch a trailer below.