The film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alters ego, Shazam.
Director: David F. Sandberg
Writers: Henry GaydenChris MorganBill Parker
Stars: Grace Caroline CurreyZachary LeviHelen Mirren
Releases: March 17, 2023
Shazam! is a 2019 superhero film directed by David F. Sandberg and based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The film follows the story of a teenage foster child named Billy Batson, who gains the ability to transform into a powerful adult superhero named Shazam.
The film begins with a young boy named Thaddeus Sivana being transported with his family to a meeting with a wizard who has the power to give someone the power of Shazam. Thaddeus is tempted by the power and fails to pass the wizard’s test, and he is transported back to his family’s car. In the present day, we meet Billy Batson, a teenage boy who has been in and out of foster homes for years. Billy is placed in a new foster home with a family that already has five other foster children. Billy is not interested in getting close to anyone, but he soon becomes friends with his roommate, Freddy Freeman.
‘Shazam!’ Was Hit With Critics and Viewers
Previously, Shazam! won critical and audience approval for bringing some light to DC’s otherwise much darker slate of films. From the trailer, it looks like the sequel is set to follow in similar footsteps with effortless humor laced into the bones of the characters. Whilst the kid-at-heart angle is certainly a part of the follow-up film, it is also set to invite some more serious moments. “It’s not just like, ‘Wow, I get to be a superhero!'” Sandberg explained previously. “He [Billy] actually has to take some responsibility and save the world this time.” Given that DC has become renowned for its ability to tackle the heavier aspects of both life and heroism, it looks like there is plenty for audiences to look forward to.
The film comes amid looming uncertainty over the future of DC, following a re-shuffle of epic proportions which saw Man of Steel 2, which was set to see a return for Henry Cavill, and Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 axed. Despite some dark days, things are looking up at DC with Shazam! Fury of the Gods the first in a line of releases for the studio this year with The Flash and Blue Beetle hot on its heels.
Watch the Shazam! Fury of the Gods trailer
You can watch Billy and his friends take center stage in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, in theaters, on March 17. In the meantime, you can check out Collider’s interview with director Sandberg below:
One day, while escaping from a group of bullies, Billy finds himself transported to the wizard’s lair, where he is chosen to become the next Shazam. Billy says the wizard’s name and is transformed into a powerful adult superhero named Shazam. Together with Freddy, who becomes his superhero sidekick, Shazam explores his newfound powers and learns to use them for good.
As Billy and Freddy are having fun discovering their new powers, Thaddeus Sivana, who has spent his life trying to find a way back to the wizard’s lair, finally succeeds. He steals the power of the Seven Deadly Sins, which the wizard had been guarding, and uses it to become a powerful villain. Sivana begins to wreak havoc on the city, and it’s up to Shazam to stop him.
The film strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, with a cast that is both charming and relatable. Zachary Levi shines as the titular character, bringing a sense of childlike wonder to his portrayal of the superhero. Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer also deliver fantastic performances as Billy and Freddy, respectively.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods release date and where you can watch it
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is slated to hit theaters on March 17, 2023. Warner Bros. intends to release its movies exclusively in theaters now, so unlike “The Suicide Squad,” it won’t be available on HBO Max on the same day. Those wanting to watch from the comfort of home will need to wait at least until the 45-day theatrical window is up, though it could very well be longer than that.
What Is Shazam! Fury of the Gods?
Warner Bros.
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is the latest big screen DC Comics adaptation. More specifically, it is the sequel to 2019’s “Shazam!” The movie will once again pick up with the young Billy Batson as he navigates life as a teenager, in addition to being an incredibly powerful superhero. Rather importantly, it’s one of the final movies to be released as part of the “old” DC Universe along with “The Flash” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” before DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran begin releasing their projects as part of the new, softly rebooted DC Universe. Does that mean this is the end of the line for Shazam? We’ll have to wait and see.
Who is the Shazam! Fury of the Gods director?
Warner Bros.
David F. Sandberg (“Lights Out,” “Annabelle: Creation”) returns to the director’s chair for the sequel. Henry Gayden (“Shazam!” “Earth to Echo”) is returning to pen the screenplay, this time alongside Chris Morgan (“Fast Five”). Geoff Johns and Peter Safran are producing, with Walter Hamada on board as executive producer. Gyula Pados (“Jumanji: The Next Level”) serves as the film’s cinematographer.
Who’s in the Shazam! Fury of the Gods cast?
Warner Bros.
Asher Angel and Zachary Levi once again lead the cast as Billy Batson and Shazam, respectively. Jack Dylan Grazer will also be back as Freddy Freeman. Other returning cast members include Djimon Hounsou, Adam Brody, Marta Milans, Ross Butler, Faithe Herman, and Meagan Good. Rachel Zegler, who stars in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” is one of the newcomers this time around.
As for the villains, they will be played by Helen Mirren, who is portraying Hesperia, with Lucy Liu playing Kalypso. They are the “gods” in question in the title who will be unleashing their fury on the world, known as the Daughters of Atlas. Also of importance, Michelle Borth won’t be returning as superhero Mary, as Grace Fulton will be filling those shoes herself this time around.
What is Shazam! Fury of the Gods rated?
Warner Bros.
Given that the DC Universe has ventured into R-rated territory from time to time with movies such as “Joker” or “The Suicide Squad,” it’s reasonable to wonder what the rating of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” might be. But Warner Bros. didn’t push the envelope for this one, as it’s rated PG-13 “for sequences of action and violence, and language.” So it should be very much in line with the first one in that respect.
Where can you watch the first Shazam! movie?
Warner Bros.
For those who wish to catch up a bit before catching the sequel in theaters, it is pretty easy to watch the first “Shazam!” right now. It is available to stream on HBO Max, so anyone with a subscription can do so. It’s also available to rent from just about every other digital retailer, such as Apple TV or Prime Video. Additionally, it is readily available on Blu-ray/DVD, for those who are still interested in physical media.
Is there going to be a Shazam 3?
Warner Bros.
It is way too early in the game to know if we’re going to get “Shazam 3” or not. What we can say definitely is that, as of this writing, Warner Bros. hasn’t confirmed anything of the sort, and director David F. Sandberg certainly hasn’t made any real indication as to whether or not that’s in the cards.
What we do know is that the DC Universe is headed for, more or less, a full-on reboot, with many new actors coming in to create a cohesive, DC multiverse. Be that as it may, DC Studios co-head James Gunn said during the new DCU slate announcement, “Shazam has always been off kind of in his own part of the DCU, so he connects very well.” That very much suggests that Zachary Levi — and the rest of the cast — could return with little or no issue, should the gods will it.
