The reactions to Shazam! Fury of the Gods have started pouring in, and they’re incredibly promising. The superhero sequel is released in cinemas later this month, and is the first DC film to be released since a complete overhaul of its cinematic universe was announced.
Spearheaded by Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn and his co-CEO Peter Safran, the new DC Universe (DCU) was announced in January, with a host of new films and TV shows all confirmed as in the works. The sequel to 2019’s Shazam! is one of the leftovers of the previous DC slate.
The first Shazam! movie had little connections to the wider DC franchise, including only minor nods to Ben Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman. DC’s reboot meant the Shazam’s future seemed uncertain.
Gunn has said he would be interested in retaining the character, while director David F. Sandberg has insisted it all depends on the success of this latest film. Fury of the Gods continues the story of teenage Billy Batson and his foster-siblings – who transform into superheroes by saying “Shazam!” – as they’re forced to get back into action and fight the Daughters of Atlas.
The superpowered family must stop them from using a weapon that could destroy the world. Director Sandberg returns to helm the sequel, alongside cast members Asher Angel as Billy Batson, Zachary Levi as his adult alter-ego, Jack Dylan Grazer as his foster brother Freddy, and Djimon Hounsou as the ancient wizard Shazam.
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The villainous Daughters of Atlas are played by screen veterans Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, with West Side Story star Rachel Zegler. And while Shazam’s place in the DCU remains uncertain, it appears fans will enjoy the film regardless of its connections – or lack of – to a wider film universe.
The first reactions to the film have been shared on social media ahead of the film’s March 17 release, and they’re overwhelmingly positive. Viewers have singled out the film’s “spectacular” action, its humour, and the continuation of the first film’s “childish joy and charm.”
Some fans have said it’s even better than its predecessor. Taking to Twitter, @DorianParksnRec said: “#ShazamFuryoftheGods delivers on every level. The action is spectacular, the humor is on point, and the surprises will leave you wanting more. As a fan of the first film, I'm happy to report that this sequel is just as good, if not better.”
@aspiringkrypto said: “#ShazamFuryOfTheGods is BIGGER, BETTER & BOLDER than its predecessor. A great mix of heart, action, mythology & horror. It truly has something for everyone.”
@BrandonDavisBD said: “I saw #Shazam! Fury of the Gods! It’s a really good sequel. The theme of found family delivers great emotional beats. Sandberg sprinkles some horror elements while maintaining the childish joy & charm of the Shazamily. Nothing brand new but highly entertaining! Really enjoyed.”
@ScottDMenzel said: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a fun sequel that feels bigger than the original in almost every way. Director David F. Sandberg juggles so much with this sequel including many different tones and mature themes.”
@TheDCTVshow said: “SHAZAM FURY OF THE GODS is endearing, hilarious, entertaining and epic. Helen Mirren stands out as a great addition to Shazam's roster. Sandberg's film is just as engaging as the first, but here the stakes are upped. Huge twists galore, DC fans are going to love Shazam 2.”
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is set to hit cinemas on March 17.
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