Shazam! Fury of the Gods was released last week to mixed reviews and disappointing box office numbers. There are a number of reasons for the sequel's failings, but Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson is also being blamed by Hollywood insiders.
A recent report from the trades suggested that The Rock's self-interest in establishing Black Adam as the centrepiece of the DC Extended Universe led to him vetoing plans for Justice Society characters to appear in the Shazam! follow-up. A meeting between Shazam and Black Adam was the logical next step, but Johnson had grander ambitions (see: Superman).
It's been said that the pro wrestler turned actor views the Shazam! franchise as being beneath him, and we'd hazard a guess he didn't fancy seeing his anti-hero take a beating from Zachary Levi's goofy teenager-turned-superhero.
After all, Shazam is the Justice Leaguer and superhero who, more often than not, stands tall over Black Adam when they cross paths!
Levi has already confirmed reports that Johnson stopped Hawkman and other JSA members from appearing in Shazam! Fury of the Gods' mid-credits scene and seemingly threw shade at Black Adam during a recent interview. Asked if he's watched the movie, the actor responded, "I have not. Eventually...I mean, I've got a whole full plate of other things I need to get to."
As the hosts point out, it's very strange for an actor who is part of the same franchise not to share a slightly more company-friendly answer. Levi, however, doesn't even pretend to be excited to watch Johnson's critically panned superhero movie!
Elsewhere in the video, he expressed excitement for the DCU reboot. "I trust where [James Gunn and Peter Safran are] going [and] where they're going to take this...I'm waiting to see what they have in store because I'm excited about that."
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is now playing in theaters.
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