The official streaming release date of Shazam! Fury of the Gods has been revealed alongside Warner Bros. Discovery's new streaming service Max.
The DCU sequel is in the process of rounding out its lackluster run in theaters, one that has garnered little to no momentum at the box office and a dismal critical response.
With the recent news that Shazam's latest adventure would be hitting digital storefronts only 32 days after its theatrical debut, many wondered when the film would hit streaming.
When Will Shazam 2 Start Streaming?
Announced as a part of Warner Bros. Discovery's official unveiling of its new streaming service, Max, it has been revealed that Shazam! Fury of the Gods will start streaming on the HBO Max replacement alongside its debut.
Max is set to launch on May 23, which chairman & CEO of HBO & HBO Max Content Casey Bloys remarked will be the same day as Shazam 2's streaming debut:
"'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' will be on the platform on the day of launch."
This May 23 date is the exact same day as the film's Blu-Ray release, a little more than one month after its digital VOD release.
Why the Wait for Shazam 2?
While, as of late, studios have been moving to delay streaming releases in an effort to promote a second life for their movies on VOD platforms (ie Avatar: The Way of Water), it does seem a little odd as to why Warner Bros. (WB) would be holding the film for the launch of their new streaming service.
Yes, it is good to have something to launch with, bringing eyes to the platform who are eager to take in something they cannot find anywhere else. However, it is not like Shazam 2 is a celebrated critical darling that people are itching to take in again at home.
It may have almost been better if the film was put out on streaming sooner, before WB sunsets HBO Max, simply because the movie is still at least part of the general conversation.
By the time May 23 rolls around, the idea of Fury of the Gods will likely be long gone amongst the masses.
This new streaming service is going to need a head-turner on day one, it's just hard to see a world where Shazam 2 is that thing.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is still in theaters worldwide with a premium VOD release coming on Tuesday, April 18.
