In 2019, DC Comics alongside Warner Bros. released in theaters Shazam! An action/adventure superhero film. It is the seventh installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film was directed by David F. Sandberg and written by Henry Gayden, Darren Lemke, and Bill Parker. Shazam! was produced by New Line Cinema, DC Films, and the Safran Company. Back in 2019, the film was praised by the critics and everything pointed out it would have a second film, and it will have, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is an upcoming film by DC Comics, the project will continue the superhero story. The film is expected to premiere on March 17, 2023.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods follows the story of Billy Batson and his foster sibling, who transform into superheroes by saying the word “Shazam!” and are forced to go back to action by fighting the daughter of Atlas. Both must stop her from using a deadly weapon that can destroy the entire world which they have to travel in order to make peace with the Gods because Billy takes their powers for granted.
The cast is formed by Zachary Levi as Shazam, Grace Caroline Currey as Mary Brimfield/Superhero Mary, Helen Mirren as Hespera, Lucy Liu as Kalypso, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla, Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Djimon Hounsou as Shazam, Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman, Asher Angel as Billy Batson, Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez, Dereck Russo as Atlas, Ross Butler as Super Hero Eugene, Rachel Zegler as Anthea, and D.J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro.
Helen Mirren, Rachel Zegler, and Lucy Liu are a new addition to the cast, these actresses will play the role of Hespera, Anthea, and Kalypso respectively, who are the daughters of Atlas.
Since the first movie was a total success, Henry Gayden confirmed he would be back to write the script for the sequel, it was also confirmed that Sandberg and producer Peter Safran would also return. Stars like Levi confirmed he would return to star as Shazam in the sequel. Shazam! Fury of the Gods was expected to release on April 1, 2022, this was later delayed to November 4, 2022, and delayed once again to March 17, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filming began on May 26, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, yet filming was also delayed due to the pandemic. A month later, set photos revealed that Hounsou would be reprising his role as the wizard Shazam. The movie’s filming concluded on August 31, 2021.
Shazam! (2019) follows the story of Billy Batson who is continually running away from his foster family in order to search for his birth mom who became separated while at a carnival 10 years ago. Later, Billy is placed in a group home run by Victor and Rosa Vasquez, which has five other foster children, Mary Bromfield, Pedro Peña, Eugene Choi, Darla Dudley, and Freddy Freeman. All Billy needs to do is shout one word to transform into the adult superhero Shazam. Even though Billy is a kid at heart, he must master his powers in order to defeat the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.
Do not forget that you can watch Shazam! (2019) is available on HBO Max with a subscription. The film is also available with an option to buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, Google Play Movies & TV.
Surely Shazam! Fury of the Gods has high expectations since the first film was a total success for DC Comics, superhero fans cannot wait for what will be one of the most awaited movies in 2023.
Andrea Rich
