Zachary Levi, star of Shazam! Fury of the Gods talked about his future with the franchise in light of the huge changes that are coming to the DC Universe (DCU).
Even now, weeks after DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed their new plans for the DC Universe, there are still unanswered issues about a number of heroes, including Shazam (Leva).
Levi’s DC departure had been the subject of rumours prior to the unveiling of the new slate. The actor called the web rumours about DC in general “blatantly false,” and he pledged his support for wherever the new administration choose to take the blue brand. The actor has since been outspoken on his plans after Shazam 2, assuring fans that he hopes Gunn and Safran have “a plan and a future for Shazam.”
Why is Zachary Levi uncertain about his DC future?
Levi’s remarks show that the current intention is to include the character in subsequent projects, even though DC Studios has not yet committed to his potential return. This supports James Gunn’s earlier claims that the DC Universe will incorporate Shazam! and Fury of the Gods. Although DC’s track record clearly demonstrates that everything is subject to change, this revelation undoubtedly portends well for Zachary Levi’s future with the franchise.
Regarding a potential comeback, the actor told Entertainment Tonight: “Listen, I’ve talked to Peter [Safran] a good bit, and we’re going to talk more on this tour.” Undoubtedly, the goal is to keep the persona and this world alive. It’s a great fun addition to the DC Universe. Because we are a more family-oriented [movie], it has DNA that many of the other characters and expansions don’t necessarily have. A lot of fun is included with [that] kind of franchise. It harkens back to the Goonies, Indiana Jones, and other things that make you feel like you’re on an adventure.
What made Zackery Levi want to be a part of the DC franchise?
Shazam! and its impending sequel make sense to survive the DC reboot even though many DCEU films will be dropped from canon in the following years. With the exception of Superman’s famed cameo in the very final scene, the original 2019 movie was entirely detached from the rest of the DCEU. Therefore, the DC Universe would need little justification to allow Levi’s Shazam to exist with other rebooted characters. Similar to how David F. Sandberg has recently suggested that Fury of the Gods is mostly unconnected to the rest of the DC Universe, it would be far too simple for Shazam to make an appearance in the DCU’s reboot.
Additionally, it seems as though DC Studios is committed to having Zachary Levi reprise his Shazam role. Even in the face of controversy surrounding recent tweets from the actor, James Gunn stood up for Zachary Levi, saying he wouldn’t let him go for alleged transgressions. Gunn has also been open about the possibility of other DCEU actors joining the DCU, suggesting that characters such as the Flash, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Ezra Miller, may also join the new franchise. If Levi did return to the DC Universe, it seems he wouldn’t be the only one, indicating that the series will only be getting a partial revamp.
