Superhero movies are often criticised for a lack of inclusion, and while we've seen baby steps made when it comes to creating comic book worlds that better reflect our own, many fans remain unsatisfied.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods looks set to take things in the right direction, however, as it's been confirmed that one member of the Shazam Family will be openly gay in the sequel. That will be Pedro Peña, played by Jovan Armand and D. J. Cotrona.
Writer Henry Gayden dropped the bombshell during an interview with Dorkaholics. "The only new addition for [Fury of the Gods] is being a lot more forthright about Pedro being gay," Gayden explained. "And that was hinted at in the first movie very subtly."
"And I thought it was really important and really, really fought for us including that and bringing that to the fore in this movie."
It's unclear how directly the Shazam! sequel will reference Pedro's sexuality, though we'd imagine some cuts will be made by the time it arrives in China and several other countries. One of the strongest members of the team, Pedro is going to step into the spotlight in a bigger way in this movie after the Shazam Family's fairly minor role in the first instalment.
The character isn't gay on the page, and is a supporting character in the Shazam! franchise rather than a lead. This is still a meaningful change to the source material, though, and one we know will mean a lot to many fans.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word "SHAZAM!," is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.
Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos. But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy - aka Shazam - and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is set to be released on March 17, 2023.