Zachary Levi’s reaction to box office flop stirs up more DCU drama
condemnation began Shazam!wrath of the godsA non-heroic performance at the box office. And like everything about his DC Universe during this awkward transition into a new era under DC Studios chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran, it’s gotten pretty messy.
of shazam Sequel star Zachary Levi fanned the flames on social media, backing the storyline that the series was ruined by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s power play, making his character Black Adam the center of the DC Universe. Put in, Zack Snyder DC Films wanted his film to fail.
On Tuesday, Levi posted an Instagram story (captured for posterity. Home of the DCU on Twitterand verified by Polygon) quote Reported by The Wrap That Johnson refused to link black adam To Shazam! Despite the character’s canonical link in the comics, in the post-credits scene. “The truth will set you free,” Levi commented with an upside-down smile.
According to two “high-level” sources for The Wrap, The Rock personally declined the post-credits scene. black adam That would have indicated that Levi’s Shazam was recruited to join that film’s Justice Society hero team, in favor of Henry Cavill’s infamous cameo by Superman. Was betting on fan appetite to boost Cavill’s return man of steel – It almost did, but it almost didn’t — and thought perhaps Superman would be a more authoritative foe for his antihero than the goofy Shazam.
Additionally, The Wrap found that when Saffron and director David F. Sandberg attempted to recreate the same post-credits scene, Shazam!wrath of the godsJohnson ruled out any use of black adam Justice Society actor. Safran and Sandberg said he had to use two federal agents — members of Gunn’s Amanda Waller’s team peacemaker Series — Recruit Shazam, not actual JSA heroes.
What’s important to note is a rap piece that arrives perfectly timed for a heated moment in Hollywood’s Blame Game, with Johnson rejecting this link and claiming a false bet on Cavill. Emphasis on undermining both franchises. arrogance of an actor. However, the extent to which the post-credits scene is affected is up for debate. black adam — better performance than Shazam! 2but still struggled to break even — it could have saved the fate of later films.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Levi risked the ire of DC’s most toxic fandom by agreeing analysis of a fan Zack Snyder fans were “glad at your movie’s failure” as a sort of punishment to DC for not living up to Snyder’s continuity and casting choices. man of steel, batman vs supermanand Justice League(Gunn plans to recast Superman in the next film. Superman: Legacy.) in the deleted tweet, Variety reportedLevi replied, “So does this. Sad but true. Who knows how much that will really affect the box office. But the biggest problem we have is marketing. I think it’s the perfect family movie, but a lot of families don’t know that, and it’s just a shame.”
On the latter point, Levi’s may at least have a point.Despite Gunn and Saffron publicly talking about rebooting the franchise, Warner Bros. is in the awkward position of releasing four previously made DC movies this year. flash has been a major “Big Game” TV spot, Gunn’s vocal support in promoting the new DCU slate, and even Suspicious nod of approval from Tom ‘Cinematic Savior’ Cruise, wrath of the gods The same support was rarely seen beyond a typical trailer dump.it’s not pretty bat girl Situation, but from the outside, the release feels like a legacy amortization.
other members of wrath of the godsWhile the cast and crew have openly defended the film, they’ve largely taken the safer, more conventional route of blaming critics for not getting the film. earned the lowest critic score and highest audience score for the same film.” Sandberg tweeted, with a shrug emoji. “I didn’t expect to critically retell the first film, but I was a little surprised because I think it’s a good film. I can’t help it.”
in the meantime, Star Rachel Zegler Tweets“Hey, our movie is actually really good! […] Some people are there and just be… meaninglessly mean. And it is unnecessary. […] It’s just cool to hate fun today.
Why is this DC drama so… dramatic? DC clearly struggles to make sure everyone follows company policy. By the expansion of . flash (starring Controversial Ezra Miller), blue beetleand Aquaman 2 This year is yet to come, and with Gunn’s tone setting Superman: Legacy Due in 2025, this turmoil may continue for some time yet.
At least one person is happy to leave everything behind. “One of the things I’ve been really looking forward to is him disconnecting from online superhero discussions.” sandberg said“A lot of it stresses me out a lot. It’s nice not to have to think about it anymore.”
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