One would think that the likes of Batman and Superman would reign supreme when it comes to the popularity of DC Comics films. But in today's world of DC, the underdogs reign supreme.
Wonder Woman pulled ahead in recent years, as did Aquaman; however, it was the debut of a unique, and often considered obscure, superhero: Shazam!
Who would have thought that the concept of a boy changing into a full-grown adult with god-like abilities would take off as it did? Most of that is thanks to the talent involved. Zachary Levi brings a childlike wonder and his great comedic talents to the table with Asher Angel and Jack Grazer nailing it just as well.
The comedy and action worked all the better thanks to the wonderful family themes and messages involved; especially when the entire family got Shazam’d just like Billy. The success of the movie — and the potential presented by the time the credits rolled — led to the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods being greenlit. In fact, production for the second installment has just wrapped.
Now, stars Zachary Levi and Jack Grazer have made an appearance at the Atlanta convention Dragon Con, where the duo was able to tease their upcoming sequel.
Shazam Family Teased
At a Dragon Con 2021 panel attended by The Direct, Shazam! stars Zachary Levi and Jack Grazer couldn't avoid being asked about the film's sequel.
The stars were very tight-lipped when it came to talking about what fans could expect in the upcoming film Shazam! Fury of the Gods, but Zachary Levi was able to tease that "there's a whole lot more... of all the super-versions of all the [family."
"So at the end of the movie [Shazam!], what happens is, the kids get superpowers... it's so fun and amazing, but then we didn't really get to do a lot with them... until this movie. Until this movie, there's a whole lot more of getting to see the whole dynamic of all the super-versions of all the [family members]."
Jack Grazer added to Levi's tease, exclaiming "it's so good!"
The film came up again later in the panel, where Levi offered another tease, saying "you're really going to love the lair in the new movie."
What Zachary Levi means by the lair is Shazam!'s version of the Bat Cave, which was mentioned in the first film.
The Future of the Shazam Family
One of the best parts of Shazam! was certainly when the entire family got their superpowers. So knowing that the upcoming Shazam! Fury of the Gods is going to put a spotlight on the family should excite many fans.
It’s probably difficult to balance a story with such a large cast. With so many superheroes, one can imagine it not being the easiest of tasks either on the writing side of the real-life logistical side.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the film ended with the group losing their powers, with Billy once again being the only remaining person with special abilities. A sad ending for sure, but probably far more manageable in the end.
Fans will have to wait quite a while to find out, as Shazam! Fury of the Gods won’t be in theaters until June 2nd, 2023.
