Shazam: A New Kind of Superhero Movie
Superhero movies have dominated the box office for years, but the genre has become somewhat predictable. With Shazam! in 2019, director David F. Sandberg brought a new level of humor and heart to the superhero scene. The film starred Zachary Levi as Billy Batson, a troubled 14-year-old who gains the ability to transform into a powerful adult superhero by saying the word “Shazam!” Now, the highly anticipated sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is set to continue the story in 2023.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods: What to Expect
In the sequel, Billy Batson fully embraces his superhero identity and faces off against a new villain, played by the legendary Helen Mirren. Alongside his superpowered foster siblings, Billy will once again use his powers to protect the world from evil. But Shazam! Fury of the Gods promises to be more than just a simple hero vs. villain story.
A New Villain: Helen Mirren Joins the Cast
Helen Mirren’s involvement in the film has caused a stir among fans. The acclaimed actress is known for her diverse range of roles, and her addition to the cast promises to bring a new level of depth to the story. Mirren will play the villainous Hespera, a daughter of Atlas who has her own magical powers. Her character is said to be seeking to retrieve the powerful artifacts that give Shazam his powers.
Watch the Shazam! Fury of the Gods Trailer
The first trailer for Shazam! Fury of the Gods was revealed at 2022’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) and to the public on July 23 of that year. Set to an epic version of Eminem‘s “Business,” this preview features the same whimsical tone as the first film while also highlighting new threats, which just so happen to include a dragon.
Apart from the trailer, the fans also watched fun behind-the-scenes video for the holidays, showing Marta Milans and Rachel Zegler dancing in the snow. A new Shazam teaser was released on January 13, followed by the second trailer, released on January 26.
Exploring Themes of Family and Identity
One of the standout themes of the original Shazam! was the importance of family. Billy’s foster siblings played a major role in the story, and their relationships with each other and with Billy were central to the plot. Shazam! Fury of the Gods promises to continue exploring these themes, with Billy struggling to balance his dual identities as both a teenage boy and a superhero.
Humor and Heart: The Signature Style of the Shazam! Franchise
One of the things that set Shazam! apart from other superhero movies was its lighthearted tone and sense of humor. The film didn’t take itself too seriously, and the result was a refreshing change of pace. Director David F. Sandberg has promised even more jokes and fun in the sequel, so fans can expect to be entertained from start to finish.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods Cast: Returning Stars and New Additions
In addition to Zachary Levi’s return as Billy/Shazam, the sequel boasts an impressive cast. Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Faithe Herman will reprise their roles as Billy’s foster siblings, while new additions include Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu. With such a talented group of actors, fans can expect some incredible performances.
New Superpowers and a Deeper Dive into Shazam’s Mythology
Of course, one of the most exciting things about any superhero movie is seeing the hero use their powers. In the original Shazam! we saw Billy transform into a superhero with incredible strength, speed, and the ability to shoot lightning from his fingertips. In the sequel, we can expect to see even more impressive feats as Billy and his siblings face off against Hespera and her minions.
But it’s not just the superpowers that make Shazam! such an intriguing character. The mythology behind the character is also fascinating. Shazam is actually an acronym for the six ancient gods who grant Billy his powers: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. In the sequel, we may get a deeper dive into this mythology, as well as more information onhow Billy became the chosen one to wield their powers.
The Future of the Shazam! Franchise
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is just the beginning of what could be a long and successful franchise. The original film was a hit with both critics and audiences, and the sequel has all the makings of another success. But beyond that, there are already plans for a third Shazam! movie, as well as a spinoff featuring the villains of the series.
When Will Shazam! Fury of the Gods Be Released?
Shazam! Fury of the Gods was to be released in theaters on December 21, 2022, but has since been postponed to March 17, 2023. Fury of the Gods was originally supposed to come out on April 1, 2022. But, the COVID-19 pandemic caused this sequel to be delayed to November 4, 2022, and then to June 2, 2023.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods will also reportedly be getting a rare release in China on the same day it’s premiering in the US.
Conclusion: Get Ready for More Shazam!
Shazam! Fury of the Gods promises to be an electrifying sequel that continues the fun, heart, and humor of the original. With an impressive cast, a new villain played by the legendary Helen Mirren, and a deeper exploration of Shazam’s mythology, fans are sure to be entertained. But beyond just this movie, the future of the Shazam! franchise looks bright. So get ready to say “Shazam!” and join Billy and his siblings on another superhero adventure.