The DC Universe recently returned with one of its most lovable characters, Shazam, played by Zachary Levi. While there was quite a hype around Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the film saw a mixed reception from fans. It even has a pretty low rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 57%. Shazam 2 also saw an opening of just $11.7 million as opposed to the first film which made $20.3 million.
This does make you wonder, are the fans boycotting the DC Universe due to the recent changes? Whatever may be the reason behind the film not performing too well, it sure raises the question of whether Shazam’s future in the DCU is limited. While anything might be possible thanks to the adjustments at the DC Studios, here’s what Zachary Levi has to say about what the future holds for Shazam.
Is Zachary Levi Okay with Letting Shazam Go?
It’s a fact that actors grow closer and closer to their characters with each moment they spend with them. The same goes for Zachary Levi who wishes nothing but the best for Shazam.
Levi recently appeared for an interview with ComicBook.com where he discussed a few things about his character. When asked by the interviewer about the “reset” at the Studios, Levi replied stating,
“It’s kind of a rolling reset. There’s a lot of things that were inherited, that were already kind of well before Peter and James even got to the positions they’re in right now. There were lots of conversations going on about what’s going to move forward and what’s not.”
Levi also talked about the bond he shares with both Peter Safran and James Gunn and stated that he is very happy that his superhero will be a part of the duo’s vision for the DCU. However, he did also mention that the character needs to move ahead into the universe, with or without him.
“I feel good that there’s a future for Shazam even if they have to rejigger the role and there’s another actor or whatever. The character is great. The character needs to keep going. But other than that, I don’t know how it’s all gonna come together. I’m just taking it a day at a time, trusting a day at a time, one step in front of the other and just trying to continue to work on me to be the best me while I’m doing it.”
With the controversies surrounding the lead actor and the Gunn-Safran duo switching things up (Read: Henry Cavill), it might not be completely out of the blue to see Levi leave the DCU. However, he did end his comment by stating that he hopes to continue to play the character as it is just way too much fun. Do you think Levi is the perfect fit to take the character forward?
Director Talks about Shazam’s DCU Future
When a Twitter user tweeted to director David F. Sandberg stating that they didn’t feel like watching the sequel because of the current DC drama, Sandberg was quick to respond. The user also added that the uncertainty around DCU was “killing the vibe” of the film and asked whether or not Shazam was going to be a part of the long run.
He definitely won’t if people don’t go see the movie. What I’ve been told is that there’s nothing in the Shazam films that contradict the future plans for DC. So the possibility for more Shazam is there and if that’s what you want your best bet is to go see the film. https://t.co/MdjZuGK4co
— David F. Sandberg (@ponysmasher) February 28, 2023
Sandberg replied stating that there won’t be Shazam if people didn’t go and watch the film, just like the user had suggested. He also added that there’s nothing about the franchise that contradicts Gunn and Safran’s plans for DCU. He clarified to the fans that Shazam will have more roles in the future of the superhero universe only if people go out to watch the film.
In its opening weekend, Shazam 2 made a disappointing $30.5 million across 4,071 theatres even though the target was $35 million to $40 million. The predecessor’s opening weekend grossed $53.5 million. With the ongoing box office collection of the film, do you think Sandberg’s worries might turn into a reality?
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is currently in theatres.
Source: ComicBook.com
