Why the sequel to a hit superhero film became a box-office bomb
In short: Shazam! Fury of the Gods arrived in 2023 as the twelfth installment of the DC Extended Universe. Despite the success of its 2019 predecessor, this sequel struggled to find its footing, ultimately grossing $134 million against a production budget of up to $125 million, marking a significant commercial disappointment.
Development for the sequel began shortly after the original film's release in April 2019. Director David F. Sandberg and writer Henry Gayden returned, with Chris Morgan joining to revise the script. The production faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed the release date multiple times—from an initial April 2022 target to its eventual debut on March 17, 2023. These shifts were often driven by the need to manage visual effects workloads and avoid competition with major blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water.
The film follows Billy Batson and his foster siblings, the Shazamily, as they confront the Daughters of Atlas—Hespera, Kalypso, and Anthea. The plot involves the theft of the Wizard's staff and the subsequent threat to Earth, culminating in a climactic battle at Citizens Bank Park. While the film features a large ensemble cast including Zachary Levi, Helen Mirren, and Lucy Liu, it received mixed reviews from critics. Sandberg noted that he had to cut several elements, including a larger role for the villain Mister Mind, to avoid overstuffing the narrative.
Behind the scenes, the production was marked by complex logistics. Filming took place in Atlanta, Georgia, between May and August 2021, under strict COVID-19 protocols. The marketing campaign also faced hurdles, including an accidental leak of Gal Gadot’s cameo appearance as Wonder Woman, which Sandberg had intended to keep as a surprise. Ultimately, the film's performance was hindered by a crowded release schedule and the broader challenges of managing a multi-film cinematic universe, leading to its status as a box-office bomb despite the creative efforts of its cast and crew.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- Also: Wikidata — Shazam! Fury of the Gods · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Shazam! Fury of the Gods (soundtrack) · CC0
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