Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the sequel to 2019's Shazam! starring Zachary Levi, is unique in comparison to other films and projects currently slated for the DC Extended Universe.
Firstly, the original Shazam! was one of the more critically acclaimed DCEU films, and its sequel will need to live up to that.
But, secondly, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is one of the more family-friendly, light-hearted films in the works for the DCEU, and it just happens to be the last film with a confirmed release date from the studio.
Now that filming is well underway, more info about this distinctive project is finally coming to light from Levi's new costume to new story details.
Recently Shazam! director David F. Sandberg, who has returned to direct the sequel, confirmed a few interesting details about the film himself.
SHAZAM! DIRECTOR TALKS POST-CREDITS SCENES
In celebration of the National Day of Sweden, David F. Sandberg, who is Swedish, participated in an Instagram Stories Q&A about Shazam! Fury of the Gods. It's important to note that these are translated responses from Swedish to English.
The first question was in regard to how Fury of the Gods' production has been so far to which Sandberg claimed that there will, in fact, be "more action" this time around:
"We've been filming for about two weeks now. Feels very good how costumes and scenery have become so far. There will be more action in this one as well, which will be interesting."
This isn't all that surprising considering that the original cast of kids is older now and that the young members of Billy Batson's family gained their own powers and personas at the end of the first film.
Sandberg also fielded questions about post-credits scenes in the Zachary Levi-led sequel. Nowadays, post-credits scenes are no longer surprises but expected, especially within the superhero genre.
The 2019 Shazam! utilized several post-credits scenes; and so, Sandberg was also asked if Fury of the Gods will also have a few in-store.
According to Sandberg, "There is a plan for that, but the film is not finished yet, so we will see how it will be in editing and so on."
Finally, when asked what he is most looking forward to in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Sandberg shared his intentions in "trying new things" this time around:
"Trying new things. New costumes, more action, and a little different style of things. So far, it has become more handheld camera than in the first film. Feel that you do not have to do exactly the same things as the first film, it is still there in any case, so you can just as easily try something new."
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED IN SHAZAM 2?
When it comes to superhero films, there's rarely ever just one film. Sequels are expected, if not greenlit, before the first film wraps.
This is why Sandberg's comments about deliberately trying new things from cameras to style are great news to audiences. It means the filmmakers aren't content with just churning out a repeat of the original, and it also reassures fans they won't know what to expect.
The original Shazam! film was fresh and interesting. It sounds like Sandberg intends to keep the franchise that way.
Of course, Sandberg confirming the presence of post-credits scenes is also exciting, especially since Fury of the Gods looks to tie into Black Adam starring The Rock.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods, starring Zachary Levi, is set to release in theaters on June 2, 2023.
