Zachary Levi, the star of Shazam! Fury of the Gods has broken his silence on the adverse reactions from critics regarding the movie.
Despite the film being his second effort in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), it marked a low point for the franchise, becoming the lowest-grossing movie in its history. Levi recently spoke on The FilmUp Podcast about the critical reception and his experience making the film.
Zachary Levi Discusses Inspiration for Shazam 2
Levi revealed that he had discussed with the former President of DC Films, Walter Hamada, about exploring Greek mythology in the sequel due to Shazam’s ties to the gods.
The idea of incorporating Greek gods into the storyline eventually became a major part of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, making the filmmaking process enjoyable for the actor.
Coping with Negative Reviews
Despite his enjoyment in portraying the iconic character, Levi couldn’t escape the harsh criticisms from critics, whom he described as “insanely unkind.”
He acknowledged that while the film wasn’t perfect, it was a fun movie that he and his team worked hard on.
Social Media’s Impact on Film Criticism
Levi highlighted the significant shift in fan interactions on social media, where some individuals seem more interested in tearing down projects rather than offering fair criticism.
He expressed his concern about the growing toxicity and polarization in online discussions about films and the people involved in them.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods vs. the Original
The actor pointed out that Shazam! Fury of the Gods had a slightly more mature tone than its predecessor, with higher production value due to the increased budget for visual effects, costumes, and set pieces.
Levi believes that the sequel may be perceived more positively with time, especially when viewers can watch it without preconceived notions influenced by negative reviews.
Uncertain Future for Shazam in the DCU
As DC Studios undergoes significant changes with new leadership and an evolving slate of movies, Zachary Levi expressed uncertainty about the future of his character, Shazam.
While some cast members are open to returning for future projects, no concrete plans have been confirmed for Shazam’s role in the upcoming Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters or Beyond.
Zachary Levi’s candid comments shed light on his feelings about the critical reception of Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Despite facing negative reviews, Levi remains proud of the film and hopes that time will eventually vindicate its worth.
As the DCEU changes, fans eagerly await updates on the fate of Shazam and the possibility of the beloved superhero’s return in future DC projects.