Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures/Twitter
No magic word needed: aShazam!sequel is here!
Zachary Levimade his return as the titular superhero character opposite Asher Angel, who came back as Shazam’s teenage alter ego, Billy Batson. Familiar faces from the franchise also appeared in the film’s second installment,plus several newcomers.
The news of Levi’s return, specifically, came amidfan speculation that he would be cutfrom the franchise as the studio’s newest CEOsJames Gunnand Peter Safranreconfigured the future of DCmovies includingHenry Cavill’s departure as Superman andGal Gadot’sWonder Woman 3being canceled.
In addition to concerns regarding the cast,backlash arosesurrounding DC Studios' future storylines. Gunnposted a statementon Instagram reading, “Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions” regarding the company’s upcoming movie slate — to which Levi commented, “Amen. 🙏.”
Here’s everything to know aboutShazam! Fury of the Gods.
Who’s in the cast ofShazam! Fury of the Gods?
Warner Bros. Pictures
New cast memberswere recruited to be in the sequel as well, includingHelen Mirrenas Hespera, the daughter of Atlas, alongsideLucy Liuwho’s cast as herdemigod sister, Kalypso. They are the primary villains inShazam’s second installment.
Rachel Zegler, who starred in Steven Spielberg’sWest Side Storyremake, is also cast as their sister in the film, playing the role of Athena, one of three goddess daughters of the Titan Atlas — of which the actress said “was so much fun” to play.
“She is so wonderfully complex and getting to work with Helen and Lucy was amazing,” Zegler said in a video interview during Comic Con. “Miss you ladies! We have to get the goddesses back together for a catch-up soon!”
What isShazam! Fury of the Godsabout?
“Levi returns as the kid-at-heart superhero who is bestowed with the powers of six gods: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury,” perDeadline. “While Shazam is a formidable champion, Billy is still just a fun-loving kid trying to navigate high school while learning how to use his powers.”
Billy “and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world,” in the movie, according to an official synopsis for the movie fromDC’s website.
Who directedShazam! Fury of the Gods?
Shazam! Fury of the Gods/Twitter
Have no fear: the sameShazam!filmmaking team came back for round two! Screenwriter Henry Gayden and director David F. Sandberg returned forShazam! Fury of the Gods. Plus, Peter Safran is produced through The Safran Company.
Is there a trailer forShazam! Fury of the Gods?
The firstofficial trailer forShazam! Fury of the Godswas released at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2022, giving fans a closer look at what they can expect in the film’s second installment — and for Levi’s Shazam, that’s a bit of imposter syndrome.
“I’m an idiot,” his superhero character says in the clip. “I don’t deserve these powers, if I’m being honest. Like, what am I even contributing?” The goofy kid-inside-a-superhero, Billy Batson, goes on to compare himself to The Flash, Aquaman and Batman, the famed heroes of the DC extended universe.
Asecond trailer was releasedin January 2023, showcasing Mirren’s villain Hespera and the Daughters of Atlas as they demand Billy and his friends give up their powers before the trio destroys the world.
In addition to Mirren, it also features newcomer Rachel Zegler and Billy’s revamped team of super-powered teenagers as Shazam fights villains riding dragons and manages to sneak in aGame of Thronesreference or two.
As Billy appears to doubt his own abilities, he asks the ancient wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou) to take his powers back, before the wizard convinces him to take on Hespera and her dragon in a climactic battle.
How long isShazam! Fury of the Gods?
In October 2022, director Sandbergconfirmed that production had wrappedon the movie. “Finished! Now for a little time off. See you in theaters in March!” he wrote on his Instagram.
Shazam! Fury of the Godshas a final running time of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (including credits) — making it two minutes shorter than 2019’sShazam!
When wasShazam! Fury of the Godsreleased?
Warner Bros. Pictures/Twitter
source: people.com
