New Shazam! Fury Of The Gods Set Photo Is Very Telling
In 2019, Warner Bros. Pictures released the superhero film "Shazam!", starring Zachary Levi as the title character. Based on the DC character of the same name, Shazam is really a 14-year-old boy named Billy Batson (Asher Angel), who is awarded the ability to transform into an adult superhero by saying the word "Shazam!" after saving his foster brother Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer) from bullies. The two start having fun and experimenting with Billy's new superpowers, only to face off with Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong), a man who possesses the Seven Deadly Sins after he is denied the power of Shazam. Shazam is able to work together with his foster family and successfully take down Sivana, although a mid-credits scene hints at a possible return of the nemesis in the future.
After the box office and critical success of "Shazam!", a sequel film was quickly put into development called "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," with Levi, Angel, and Grazer all returning to their roles. While there isn't a lot of official information out yet about the plot, both the title and the new characters hint at a much more expansive story that explores more of Shazam's origins. Currently filming, a new set photo also reveals some startling details about the higher stakes that Shazam will be facing in the upcoming film, scheduled to come out on June 2, 2023.
Shazam will be facing very dangerous foes this time around
After seeing a new photo of Levi on the set of "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," fans of the superhero have reason to worry about Shazam. Wearing his iconic red, white, and yellow uniform, the notable detail is the major damage done to upper left chest and arm area of Shazam's suit. Compared to the first film, Shazam's suit has never acquired this type of intense deterioration before, leading fans to think that Shazam may be in bigger danger in the upcoming sequel. But who has the power do this to him?
So far, there are a few reports on what villains will appear in "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," and Shazam definitely has his hands full this time around. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Helen Mirren will be playing the villain Hespera, one of three Hesperides, or nymph daughters of the god Atlas, based on the classic Greek mythology. Alongside Mirren will be Lucy Liu as Kalypso, while Rachel Zegler will play a third sister whose name has not yet been revealed (The Wrap). The Hesperides have been known to skirt the line between good and evil in the myths, so we will have to see exactly where their loyalties lie in the new film.
With power equal to or more than Shazam's, the Hesperides will be a tough match for the hero, even with the help of his superpowered family. Will Shazam be able to successfully fight off the Hesperides? We will have to wait and see when "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" comes out in theaters in summer 2023.