The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is set to continue expanding with the release of the highly-anticipated sequel to Shazam!, entitled Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on June 2, 2023, and will bring back the lovable superhero and his foster family as they face a new threat. Here's everything we know about the movie so far.
Background
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the sequel to the 2019 film Shazam!, which was directed by David F. Sandberg and starred Zachary Levi as the titular hero. The first film introduced audiences to the character of Billy Batson, a teenage orphan who gains the ability to transform into an adult superhero by saying the word "Shazam." The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $366 million worldwide.
Cast and Crew
The cast of Shazam! Fury of the Gods will feature many familiar faces from the first film, including Zachary Levi as Shazam, Asher Angel as Billy Batson, Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman, and Faithe Herman, Grace Fulton, Ian Chen, and Jovan Armand as the rest of the foster family.
In addition to the returning cast, the sequel will also feature some new faces. Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren have been cast as the main villains of the movie, with Liu playing the villainous Kalypso and Mirren playing the evil Hespera. The film will also see the return of Adam Brody, who played the adult version of Freddy's superhero alter-ego, Shazam Jr.
David F. Sandberg will return to direct the film, and Henry Gayden will once again be responsible for the screenplay. The movie is produced by Peter Safran, who has worked on several DCEU films, including Aquaman and the first Shazam! movie.
Storyline
The plot of Shazam! Fury of the Gods is still largely under wraps, but we do know that it will see Shazam and his foster family facing off against a new threat. The movie is said to be bigger and more action-packed than the first film, with director David F. Sandberg teasing that it will feature "more spectacle and more magic."
One of the main themes of the movie is the idea of family. The first film explored the importance of found family, and the sequel will continue to build on that theme. The members of the foster family will be tested as they face new challenges and threats, and their relationships with one another will be put to the test.
Another theme of the movie is the concept of power. Shazam is a character who gains immense power when he transforms into his superhero form, and the sequel will explore the responsibility that comes with that power. The movie will also delve deeper into the mythology of the character, with Sandberg teasing that it will explore "a little bit more of the history of the wizards."
Expectations
Fans of the first Shazam! movie are eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel. The first film was a surprise hit, with its blend of humor and heart winning over audiences and critics alike. The sequel is expected to build on that success, with director David F. Sandberg promising that it will be even more fun and exciting than the first film.
The addition of Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren as the main villains of the movie has also generated a lot of excitement. Both actresses are highly regarded in the industry and are known for their ability to play complex and nuanced characters. The dynamic between their characters and Shazam is sure to be a highlight of the film.
In addition to the returning cast and crew, there are also rumors that some other characters from the DC Universe may make an appearance in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. One of the most persistent rumors is that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will make a cameo as Black Adam, the main villain of his own upcoming standalone movie. However, this has not been confirmed by anyone involved with the production, and it remains to be seen whether it will actually happen.
Another character who may appear in the film is Superman. The first Shazam! movie featured a brief cameo from the Man of Steel, and director David F. Sandberg has hinted that he would like to include him in the sequel as well. However, it is unclear whether actor Henry Cavill will reprise his role as Superman, as his contract with Warner Bros. has reportedly ended.
Overall, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation surrounding Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The first film was a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre, and the sequel promises to be even more fun and exciting. With a talented cast and crew, a compelling storyline, and the potential for some surprise cameos, the movie is sure to be a hit with audiences when it hits theaters on June 2, 2023.
One of the things that made the first Shazam! movie so popular was its humor. The film had a lighthearted and irreverent tone, with plenty of jokes and gags. The sequel is expected to continue that trend, with director David F. Sandberg promising that it will be even funnier than the first film.
However, Sandberg has also said that the movie will have a darker and more intense tone at times. In an interview with Collider, he said, "It's not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some pretty dark scenes in there, but there's still a lot of humor and a lot of heart in it."
The addition of Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren as the main villains is also expected to bring a more serious tone to the movie. Both actresses are known for their dramatic roles, and their characters are expected to be formidable foes for Shazam and his family.
Another aspect of the movie that has generated a lot of buzz is the special effects. The first Shazam! movie had some impressive visuals, but the sequel is expected to take things to the next level. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sandberg teased that the movie will feature "more spectacle and more magic."
He also said that the filmmakers are "trying to up the ante in every way" and that they are "using more and more of the budget on visual effects." This suggests that the movie will have some truly epic action sequences and that the magic of Shazam's powers will be on full display.
In conclusion, Shazam! Fury of the Gods looks like it will be an exciting and entertaining addition to the DC Extended Universe. With a talented cast and crew, a compelling storyline, and plenty of humor and heart, the movie has a lot of potential to be a hit with audiences. Fans of the first film and fans of the superhero genre in general should definitely mark their calendars for June 2, 2023, when the movie hits theaters.
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