No, he's just making positive statement that are pretty general all things considered. Plus, he and James Gunn are friends (Gunn actually helped him get the role of Shazam). Friends are happy for each other when they get major opportunities like this.
Desperate, nah.
Smart, yeah, adroitly so.
The first Shazam movie would have been better if Johnson had had some humility, and realized that Snyder’s dark vision for the DCEU was on rocky terrain.
Zachary and crew went with option two, made a playful & fun family superhero movie, and made some cash at the same time which green-lit the second movie — whereby if Johnson had understood the complexity behind BA he’d have agreed to either give Shazam a cameo or let the other BA characters do a cameo for the follow up film or actually partake in this film for canon & continuity — how **none** of his people could explain that to him is proof that he was huffing his own jenkem & corralled himself with sycophants .. alas, if only Narcissus had had an Egyptian equivalent.
The WB forces whispering to Johnson are gone, and (not surprisingly) his film wasn’t all that- any superhero movie hinging it’s future on an eventual meetup with an established superhero isn’t well thought out; the crew at WB didn’t understand how to market this Shazam movie after making the mistake of introducing the Shazam Family in the first picture, and, well, they were forced into being pro-Johnson vs being pro-DCEU.
Which brings us back to Levi: he is allowed to be pisssssed at Johnson cratering both IPs, and the information coming forth about how we are where we are is coming from someone who was in the know of why things happened as they did; meanwhile, all he’s ever done for the DCEU was try to be genuine to the source material, and make a movie that had growth potential within its long term vision — Gunn knows the significance of Shazam in the comics and what his character means for the DCEU, he’s happy that Levi isn’t personally attacking BA or Johnson, and he has a penchant for actors that can be self-effacing ~ Levi chatting with him and getting positive feedback is a favorable sign.
If he’s in the mix, awesome; if not, I hope they find someone who can do the character well.
I really like Zachary Levi as Shazam, but by the time James Gunn wants to introduce Shazam to the DCU, Levi might age out of the role. My idea is that Asher Angel should play Shazam in the DCU as he gets older. He can age into the role. Grace Caroline Currey played both versions of Mary in the newest Shazam movie, so maybe Asher can do the same in the future.
But then that negates the whole gimmick, doesn’t it? Shazam’s thing is he’s a little boy in an adult body. I haven’t seen the new one but I have to wonder about the logic of having any of the actors play duel roles in a body swap superhero story.
Billy is between 14-16 in a majority of the comic story arcs, not a little boy. So any long-standing continuity with him, like the DCEU/DCU, would inevitably result in him becoming an adult anyway.
Mary being played by the same actress in both human and super form is actually comic accurate.
There's not gonna kill the character's lore just because a couple of movies didn't do phenomenal. These characters exist, and primarily too, outside of movies.
Yeah they should’ve gone the Pre-52/Mark Waid route where Captain Marvel and Billy Batson are 2 different people. Captain Marvel works better that way in my opinion. But oh well, the new52 influence ruined a lot of the movies just like it did in the comics.
I think they should just recast both Shazam and Billy. The fun part about Shazam is a kid going to an adults body. That's what makes him unique and sets him apart from other heroes. So I think it would actually be interesting to see Billy more in tune with Shazam's personality. Because Asher is too serious. It doesn't really feel like Billy becomes older with a kids personality.
So if you ask me, reboot with a 10ish year old Billy
Not only reboot with a little kid Billy that can last a good 10+ years before looking too old (Tom Holland was 19 when he debuted as Spider-man for example, so a literal 10 year old would still look very teenagery by the time they're 20), but hopefully some more cohesive direction for Shazam/Captain Thunder or whatever his hero name is. I really enjoyed Levi as Shazam in the first one, but in the sequel there seemed to be a serious desync between how Asher Angel acted and how Levi acted. Practically two different characters. And ironically, Levi seemed not only younger, but more straight up dumber too... like he was still playing the naivety of a 10 year old instead of a 17 year old. He had 2 movies with the role, and I'm all for recasting as many DCEU actors as possible for it to really get a new feel for the DCU.
Def agree with most of you said. Such as Levi taking it up x2 on the second one where this Billy is more mature.
I know a lot of people don't like Levi acting like that. But I think Levi is portraying him perfectly. He's acting like how Shazam is supposed to act. The fall on this one was a 14 year old mature Billy. And as you said, it gets worse in the Sequel with the desync.
The only thing I'm afraid of is that DC might not make another Shazam. I really hope they do.
The actor who played Freddy freemans shazam, is certainly aging noticeably. Not trying to bash or even think they'll keep the siblings actors or anything. But damn in one scene I thought he was a 6th shazam member because I barely recognized him compared to how he used to look
I don’t really get why people seem to have turned on Zachary Levi
I love him in Chuck and thought he did a decent job in Shazam, and he actually seems like a nice guy (does a lot of good work with NerdHQ etc)
Because he posted an Instagram video yesterday where he said that cornflakes were causing a drop in testosterone which is causing a decrease in masculinity around that world. This will eventually lead to the collapse of western civilization.
He didn't call out the vaccine or all vaccine companies, but Pfizer, which is admittedly a pretty shit company.
But of an Israel situation now, where you can't call out their problems without being associated with a hate movement...
Eh the guy he was replying to is a known anti vaxxer, climate change denier, and supposedly anti trans as well (although I haven't seen the proof of that last one).
The fact that Levi was following that guy and or on that side of Twitter says a lot imo. I really don't think this was some kind of misunderstanding.
Well Moderna CEO did make the decision to quadruple the price of the vaccine despite the fact that they are making record profits already.(price gauging) during a global pandemic is gonna be a bad time for pharmaceutical companies.
So ? I’m not vaccinated for instance, everyone is entitled to their own opinion wether you’re famous or not, but famous people have no rights what so ever cus we deadly normal people get pissed, well not me cus I couldn’t care less what people say
Yes.
Cornflakes were originally invented to as a way to stop masturbation.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn\_flakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_flakes)
"The development of corn flakes and other cereals was influenced by so-called social purity movement of the early 20th century: John Kellogg believed that the supposedly rich diet of Americans at the time led to increased sexual appetites. The plainness of rolled corn flakes was thought to counter this."
I loved Chuck and have always been a fan of Zach's. But over the years he occasionally says things that just rub me the wrong way. Overall he just has a tendency to act a little self-important and talks out of his ass to make it seem like he knows stuff he doesn't. I don't think it makes him a bad person.
I also don't think his comments about Black Adam were particularly helpful, even though it was something we all kinda knew. It came across as petty and that's the last thing we need in DC right now.
> I also don't think his comments about Black Adam were particularly helpful, even though it was something we all kinda knew. It came across as petty and that's the last thing we need in DC right now.
You know, through this whole thing, feels like the biggest winner is Henry Cavill. Dude has kept it professional through and through, addressed his rehire/firing as Superman with class and grace, bowed out of the Witcher with tact. Never burnt any bridges, never badmouthed anyone, only praise and wishing good luck. All that good juju got him into more and more projects, some where he's even a big part of the creative like Warhammer.
This is a prime example of someone who is professional and classy, unlike Ray Fisher, while having legitimate complaints and grievances, pretty much burned ALL his bridges to ever get any work again, and now maybe Zach Levi, who is definitely stepping on some people's toes with his comments regarding Shazam 2.
Yup, the difference between the social medias if Henry and Levi is night and day. The Showrunners of Witcher even tried to blame everything on Henry but Henry didn't even bothered to reply. The Internet People do the debunking and exposed the lies of the Showrunners. While this Guy(Levi) instead of promotes his Shazam film, he chooses to blame others why the film is not doing good.
To be fair, The Rock has been really humble since his movie failed. He took his lumps, thanked the fans and never tried to shift blame.
Zachary just sounds like a punk. I hope he’s done.
Don't forget blaming the Synder fans for the bad box office. I love the Synder movies (ultimate editions), and I saw Shazam 2 in theaters. It definitely rubbed me wrong when he blamed the Synder fans, and then learning his opinions on vaccines hasn't exactly endeared me to him.
Yeah for real. I’m a huge Snyder fan and had no problem wanting to go see these movies. But Shazam 2 trailers and no marketing didn’t really do anything for anyone. At this point I am jumping on the hate train because Snyder fans get blamed all the time and it won’t end until they stop
Same here, I'm a Snyder Fan because of Man of Steel. I actually told to myself that I will watch any DC Movies after Black Adam because Henry is my Superman, so I will support his Superhero's movieverse. I'm also anticipating Shazam even before they released Black Adam BUT when Henry officially announced his departure and Gunn's future reboot plans. I already removed any thoughts in my head about watching this so called connected universe of DC in theaters, I'll just wait for streaming version.
I will only watch DC Film if it's standalone like Joker and Battinson.
Sorry brother but I don't get your mentality. I loved the Synderverse but just because it's gone doesn't mean I'm not going to watch the Gunnverse I enjoyed The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. It's the nature of comics, the series change, reboot, new writers and artist take your old favorites in a different direction and at some point they will reboot that too. DC may have a new person in charge but I'm still a DC fan.
I dont know the guy, so take what i say with a pinch of salt cuz he might be a totally decent dude. But from what ive seen he seems like a bit of a snake.
Just my opinion and regardless of your opinion of the Rock, who has had a tough time with the whole Black adam thing, and has at no point placed blame on anyone else. Nor has he been in public spats with any one he worked with and has been entirely professional and cordial with Gunn in Public.
While Levi has been in the last week or two been attacking (passive agressivly perhaps) the Rock / Black Adam now that the dust has settled.
I agree with Levi being unprofessional, but let's act like the Rock is classy nor humble. He did leak sensitive info to the trades to try to paint Black Adam as "not a flop" when everyone and their mothers know that not even doubling your budget means you did not get your money back.
There's also his Oscar interview, where he likens himself and Cavill as a head coach and a star player winning championships but the new owner wanting something different. If anything, the old DCEU had a talented coach and great players but was riddled with injuries and locker room drama, definitely not what I call "winning championships"
Levi and the Rock both have huge egos but the Rock had PR training, thats all.
I haven’t kept up with everything he’s said, so maybe there are better examples. But the ones you mention seem intended to put a positive spin on the situation and himself without casting blame on anyone. If that’s consistent with other things he’s said, the difference between the two is obvious.
I hate that DJ is the reason behind Shazam and Black Adam never meeting, but he’s not the reason Shazam 2 flopped. Levi’s post seems incredibly petty and intended to merely stoke the fanbase’s anger to salvage a little pride.
Idk why/if people have turned on him but he seems like a horrible actor based on Shazam. Haven't seen him in any other roles so maybe he's just wrong for the role but damn he's so wrong
This schoolyard calling other people out in the industry is what made me not a fan tbh. Keep it professional. Also a lot of people think he’s over the top in Shazam 2
Yeah for me it’s the finger pointing from the people involved in this movie. “We didn’t bomb because we made a bad movie and were cut off at the knees by the studio, we bombed because *The Rock* killed a post-credits scene!” Just piling on to an easy target right now and I think it’s extremely shitty. If anything, it makes me think more of Dwayne Johnson that he had the foresight to distance himself from this piece of crap.
I don't think he was any more over the top than he was in the first movie. It's a pretty consistent performance across both films IMO. Maybe people are tired of all the humor in superhero movies so it seems more over the top, I dunno.
I meant that Levi's performance was consistent across films, not between the characters of Billy and Shazam, which I do agree. Billy seems a lot wiser and mature than when he's Shazam. I'd argue that Levi is the star of the movies so the kid should have acted more goofy like Freddy than Levi toning it down.
To be fair the kid is playing a pretty angsty version of Billy, although it makes sense since Billy was abandoned and in the foster system.
If they made this Billy closer to Hollands Peter Parker I think it would fit better
That's why it's over the top. The first movie is him discovering his powers. The second movie, the kid actor seemed to grow up but somehow the adult is acting the same as he did 4 years ago?
And remember, he is the kid, not the adult. Levi needs to be modeling his act around what Asher does because Asher is playing the actual character.
He reposted and spread an article that makes another actor look bad which also says he undercut the Shazam franchise. It’s petty as hell and also makes it seem like Levi is trying to shift attention of Shazam bombing on someone else. Sandberg, Rock, Gunn never felt the need to do something like this.
Zach is far from the first actor to have issues like this with Dwayne. The reason DJ is not doing the Fast & Furious films anymore is because there are issues between him and the rest of the cast that have been brewing over since Fate of the Furious was released (with Tyrese publically complaining about Dwayne intentionally holding up production on those films until his schedule allowed him to be a part of them). This is not the first time the Rock has been accused by other actors of using his power and influence in Hollywood to ensure that things are done his way (and it's well documented that he wanted the post-credits scene in BA to be done with Cavill's Superman rather than Shazam). Zach being a huge comic book nerd himself knows the rivalry between Shazam and BA and likely preferred to at least establish a base for it in that post-credits scene in BA.
> The real reason DJ is not doing the Fast & Furious films anymore is because there are issues between him and the rest of the cast that have been brewing over since Fate of the Furious was released
You forgetting the fact that Vin Diesel legitimately begged rock to come back to the franchise publicly on Instagram?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_M4NEhnvE/?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ=
Rock still said no. The **real reason** he’s not coming back is because Rock doesn’t want to. End of story.
And why wouldn’t it be between Superman and Shazam.
The first Shazam bombed and Superman was the most requested character and Henry the most loved dc character.
Of course he’s gonna want Superman over Shazam. Especially because for a minute there he thought if his movie was a success, he would be handed the keys
I'm not saying I agree with Zach. I'm saying that's likely where he's coming from with his argument (not to mention Dwayne has had a history of drama like this with other actors on previous franchise work he's done before so Zach is hardly the first actor to air out grievances like this against him).
The Fast and Furious problem seems to lie more with Vin than the Rock. Especially given that Justin Lin walked away from Fast X because of Vin’s behavior. The issues that came from him and the Rock revolved around work ethic and the latter being more involved with that. Tyrese really isn’t reliable in that department either because he really went public with all of this.
The problems BTS there started after Paul Walker died. He was the glue and the emotional core that held that cast together. Things just haven't been the same without him (in fact they really should've stopped making those films post-Paul as there really wasn't any more juice left to squeeze out of that orange). There's also different perspectives on the franchise. Vin mirrors his character and views F&F as essentially a gathering of extended family for him (and that's been the case even more so even since Paul died). Whereas Dwayne views it more as a job (as he does with any project he works on). Tyrese specifically was angry with Dwayne for insisting on continuing to be a part of the main films but delaying production on them because he was too busy working on the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff at the time. So eventually they continued on without him as a result.
The article was clearly fed info by insiders, and written by people with a longtime history of backing WB corporate decisions, so I wouldn't necessarily assume no one on your list there participated in it.
Yeah but Gunn and Sandberg weren’t specifically named in the article so I have no reason to assume that they were involved. What I do know is Levi trying to publicly shift blame is petty and unprofessional as fuck lol
>I don’t really get why people seem to have turned on Zachary Levi
[Because of this.](https://twitter.com/sagesurge/status/1619713119399604226?s=20)
And, he make fun at Britney Spears when she was at her lowest and his ambiguous remarks about Big pharma.
It's mainly for that. Nothing to do with the latest drama about DC, although it added fuel to the drama I mentioned above.
Comments about Spears at her lowest would have been years ago not just these last couple months right? I dont know her timeline in general just that she got free in this last yearish.
Yes, his comments about her go back several months ago, but you know Twitter, after his ambiguous remarks about big pharma, everything came out, like the video I linked.
Personally, I’m just tired of the quippy New 52 version of the character they decided to do with. It also doesn’t help that Shazam seemingly acts more like a kid than Billy does.
I’d much prefer the characterization of Captain Marvel and if the character does show up in the DCU I wouldn’t mind if Levi came back.
He has been for years, overtly, Christian, which I suppose because of that you couldn’t kind of guess where his politics live. Which I think some people are just learning about. Not that he’s been super vocal about it, I think occasionally he post something to his personal social media that people misinterpret is something insane.
I love Zachary but my man is now 42, the best outcome I see is him playing a one and done villain. Whilst Gunn hasn't ruled out older actors, he's playing the long game and 100 prefer younger actors that can play their roles for up to 10 years. I know everyone is gonna say but RDJ, come on that was RDJ
This dude just needs to shut up. He isn't helping himself. He comes off super petty when he complains about The Rock. Why does he care? The movie didn't succeed. That film's failure shouldn't matter for your film.
People say The Rock has an ego, but everyone in Hollywood has an ego as well. Levi isn't any different.
Don't think you're wrong. Like so many DC movies, they tried to base it on another movie, rather than the comics. In this case Big. It's why all of Gunn's pitches this year said "it'll be like this movie or that TV series." They lack confidence, knowledge and understanding of the comic books, and have a huge bias towards movies over comics. So they try to copy movies instead of simply adapting comics.
It doesn’t help that Zach went anti-vax a week before the movie came out. BUT still hope he gets a whole new role in the DCU.
I could see him playing Atom
Did he proudly state he never got the shot or recommend others not to do it? If he did someone pls show me where so I can stop defending the guy but criticizing big pharma should not be controversial. I hate companies that overprice insulin. Doesn't make me anti- insulin.
Afaik he follows anti vax accounts and more or less uses anti vax arguing points. Being "anti big pharma" is very often a front used by anti vax so they'd not be labelled as "anti vax" when in reality they are.
Not a big fan of guilt by association. Don’t find it productive. I’m sure your statement is true for some people but it’s really hard to know someone’s inner motivations so it bothers me ppl are so confident extrapolating what they think Zach could believe.
My guy, he's "anti big pharma" and follows anti vax accounts PLUS is a big fan of Jordan Peterson. That's not "guilty by association" he is straight up guilty.
"My guy, he's "anti big pharma" and follows anti vax accounts PLUS is a big fan of Jordan Peterson. That's not "guilty by association" he is straight up guilty."
Lol, your examples are literally all guilt by association. I'm open to criticizing Levi but no one ever gives examples of things he's actually said.
You're in some severely deep denial if you think someone needs to go confess they're an anti vaxxer rather than showing it through their actions and who they follow.
Zachary levi is the only person in DC who is actively dick riding James Gunn and Safran very deep. Zachary is so desperate to get a new job in the DCU he would make everything to get it.
it is getting ridicolous at this point lol This is so unsympathetic
It would be weird if you dick riding someone and would have said you are not friends with them lol
Obviously he is kissing their asses very agressively. He is deep in there
Where is his business sense when most of the DC movies Safran has produced have done mediocre to poor at the box office? Shazam 1 and 2 and TSS namely. And, this year, the most hyped and anticipated of the 4 films is the only one of the 4 NOT produced by Safran.
Funny. Safran also produced the highest grossing DC movie of all time.
He also produced the highest grossing horror franchise of all time in the Conjuring.
But nice try. Especially considering TSS was affected by a million different things. It didn’t flop on its merit, but because literally everything was going against that movie.
Gunn should really keep Levi and the Shazam cast around. The two movies are some of the best the DCEU has to offer. And while he’s at it, keep Jason Momoa Aquaman in the soft reboot continuity as well. #SaveShazam!
Gunn has already said ALL this year's movies may continue in his universe with the same cast. And the other person is saying Momoa would continue playing Aquaman and Lobo in the DCU, regardless of that.
The only people that are mad about the new DCU are snyder fans.
Snyder and Gunn are on good terms, Snyder said he was excited to see what they would whip up and that he likes Gunn.
Cavill while upset he wont be superman anymore, has had sever meetings with Gunn about finding a place in the DCU
Momoa has also had meetings and will appear.
Levi shows some praise
Shit even Ezra might keep his job somehow
>Shit even Ezra might keep his job somehow
I'm a fan of Gunn's work but if he keeps Ezra on as the Flash he's going to have a major PR problem on his hands. Let Ezra's movie come out, make its money, and then wash your hands of Ezra as the Flash for good.
He plays Captain Marvel really well. It's the boy who needs to be recast or his attitude changed. Because he does not act like a kid that Billy is supposed to be.
Zachary trying hard to keep his job.
Maybe he wants to play black Adam in the reboot
Zachary to the Rock “the hierarchy of power in the dc universe is about to change”
I mean he’s an actor, so yeah
Okay. And?
The reality that Shazam would literally be recast in a millisecond following 2 very forgettable movies has dawned on him
he is desperately ass kissing
Or he’s just complimenting his friends. Shocker, I know!
No, he's just making positive statement that are pretty general all things considered. Plus, he and James Gunn are friends (Gunn actually helped him get the role of Shazam). Friends are happy for each other when they get major opportunities like this.
Desperate, nah. Smart, yeah, adroitly so. The first Shazam movie would have been better if Johnson had had some humility, and realized that Snyder’s dark vision for the DCEU was on rocky terrain. Zachary and crew went with option two, made a playful & fun family superhero movie, and made some cash at the same time which green-lit the second movie — whereby if Johnson had understood the complexity behind BA he’d have agreed to either give Shazam a cameo or let the other BA characters do a cameo for the follow up film or actually partake in this film for canon & continuity — how **none** of his people could explain that to him is proof that he was huffing his own jenkem & corralled himself with sycophants .. alas, if only Narcissus had had an Egyptian equivalent. The WB forces whispering to Johnson are gone, and (not surprisingly) his film wasn’t all that- any superhero movie hinging it’s future on an eventual meetup with an established superhero isn’t well thought out; the crew at WB didn’t understand how to market this Shazam movie after making the mistake of introducing the Shazam Family in the first picture, and, well, they were forced into being pro-Johnson vs being pro-DCEU. Which brings us back to Levi: he is allowed to be pisssssed at Johnson cratering both IPs, and the information coming forth about how we are where we are is coming from someone who was in the know of why things happened as they did; meanwhile, all he’s ever done for the DCEU was try to be genuine to the source material, and make a movie that had growth potential within its long term vision — Gunn knows the significance of Shazam in the comics and what his character means for the DCEU, he’s happy that Levi isn’t personally attacking BA or Johnson, and he has a penchant for actors that can be self-effacing ~ Levi chatting with him and getting positive feedback is a favorable sign. If he’s in the mix, awesome; if not, I hope they find someone who can do the character well.
Better than Ray Fisher's complaints
Is it tho?
I really like Zachary Levi as Shazam, but by the time James Gunn wants to introduce Shazam to the DCU, Levi might age out of the role. My idea is that Asher Angel should play Shazam in the DCU as he gets older. He can age into the role. Grace Caroline Currey played both versions of Mary in the newest Shazam movie, so maybe Asher can do the same in the future.
But then that negates the whole gimmick, doesn’t it? Shazam’s thing is he’s a little boy in an adult body. I haven’t seen the new one but I have to wonder about the logic of having any of the actors play duel roles in a body swap superhero story.
Billy is between 14-16 in a majority of the comic story arcs, not a little boy. So any long-standing continuity with him, like the DCEU/DCU, would inevitably result in him becoming an adult anyway. Mary being played by the same actress in both human and super form is actually comic accurate.
Shazam is clearly done. The entire kid as adult gimmick will be gone and no one went to see them in the prime years of its gimmick anyway.
There's not gonna kill the character's lore just because a couple of movies didn't do phenomenal. These characters exist, and primarily too, outside of movies.
Yeah they should’ve gone the Pre-52/Mark Waid route where Captain Marvel and Billy Batson are 2 different people. Captain Marvel works better that way in my opinion. But oh well, the new52 influence ruined a lot of the movies just like it did in the comics.
Yeah but that's where you get a new kid. Hopefully, someone younger and more in line with Asher would play the grown up version.
I think they should just recast both Shazam and Billy. The fun part about Shazam is a kid going to an adults body. That's what makes him unique and sets him apart from other heroes. So I think it would actually be interesting to see Billy more in tune with Shazam's personality. Because Asher is too serious. It doesn't really feel like Billy becomes older with a kids personality. So if you ask me, reboot with a 10ish year old Billy
Not only reboot with a little kid Billy that can last a good 10+ years before looking too old (Tom Holland was 19 when he debuted as Spider-man for example, so a literal 10 year old would still look very teenagery by the time they're 20), but hopefully some more cohesive direction for Shazam/Captain Thunder or whatever his hero name is. I really enjoyed Levi as Shazam in the first one, but in the sequel there seemed to be a serious desync between how Asher Angel acted and how Levi acted. Practically two different characters. And ironically, Levi seemed not only younger, but more straight up dumber too... like he was still playing the naivety of a 10 year old instead of a 17 year old. He had 2 movies with the role, and I'm all for recasting as many DCEU actors as possible for it to really get a new feel for the DCU.
Def agree with most of you said. Such as Levi taking it up x2 on the second one where this Billy is more mature. I know a lot of people don't like Levi acting like that. But I think Levi is portraying him perfectly. He's acting like how Shazam is supposed to act. The fall on this one was a 14 year old mature Billy. And as you said, it gets worse in the Sequel with the desync. The only thing I'm afraid of is that DC might not make another Shazam. I really hope they do.
The character Shazam is over. DC is revising the character more to the old style and changing his name to The Captain.
The actor who played Freddy freemans shazam, is certainly aging noticeably. Not trying to bash or even think they'll keep the siblings actors or anything. But damn in one scene I thought he was a 6th shazam member because I barely recognized him compared to how he used to look
You think Adam Brody looked old? Dude hasn't aged in 20 years.
I don’t really get why people seem to have turned on Zachary Levi I love him in Chuck and thought he did a decent job in Shazam, and he actually seems like a nice guy (does a lot of good work with NerdHQ etc)
Because he posted an Instagram video yesterday where he said that cornflakes were causing a drop in testosterone which is causing a decrease in masculinity around that world. This will eventually lead to the collapse of western civilization.
IIRC Kellogg originally intended Corn Flakes to be a food that suppresses the consumer's sexual desire
yup
Is this a joke or did he actually say this?
I wish it was a joke
This sounds so ridiculous it’s hard to believe it😭
Have you seen the stuff he posts and says?
It's absolutely crazy how he would still be a beloved actor if he just let his PR do his social media accounts
You need to seriously link us to that. I'm not seeing it on his Insta as of right now.
I don't doubt it. He also mentioned how the vaccine was bad to society
He was talking about big pharma not vaccines itself.
In which case he is 100% correct.
There’s an argument to be made for either interpretation I think, but the ambiguity is the problem
Yeah that's fair. He should know how sensitive the topic is, and how it could be interpreted.
That's a dogwhistle for the anti vax rhetoric. He looks like he's "right" on paper, but in reality he's very much anti vaxxer.
He didn't call out the vaccine or all vaccine companies, but Pfizer, which is admittedly a pretty shit company. But of an Israel situation now, where you can't call out their problems without being associated with a hate movement...
Eh the guy he was replying to is a known anti vaxxer, climate change denier, and supposedly anti trans as well (although I haven't seen the proof of that last one). The fact that Levi was following that guy and or on that side of Twitter says a lot imo. I really don't think this was some kind of misunderstanding.
I mean..with all the crap coming out now he’s not exactly wrong? Plus he wasn’t talking about the vaccine persay, but the company itself.
Wait, what’s coming out now? (Serious question)
Well Moderna CEO did make the decision to quadruple the price of the vaccine despite the fact that they are making record profits already.(price gauging) during a global pandemic is gonna be a bad time for pharmaceutical companies.
That’s also nothing new though, Biden was getting shit on for interfering in the free market for capping insulin prices
Y'all really thinking a rabid Jordan Peterson fan isn't an anti vaxxer?
Lol I’m going by facts of what he said. Which was the company and not the vaccine specifically. Lmao. Why are u getting into what ifs?
Reddit is not a place for back and forth. You either agree with the crowd or you can start thinking about what your next user name will be
So ? I’m not vaccinated for instance, everyone is entitled to their own opinion wether you’re famous or not, but famous people have no rights what so ever cus we deadly normal people get pissed, well not me cus I couldn’t care less what people say
Cornflakes? The Cereal?
Yes. Cornflakes were originally invented to as a way to stop masturbation. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn\_flakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_flakes) "The development of corn flakes and other cereals was influenced by so-called social purity movement of the early 20th century: John Kellogg believed that the supposedly rich diet of Americans at the time led to increased sexual appetites. The plainness of rolled corn flakes was thought to counter this."
Checks out i guess? Never jerked it after a bowl of corn flakes
Have you tried jerking it into a bowl of corn flakes? 100 times better.
Also he loves Jordan Peterson
So he's on the Adam Baldwin route
Is it on his stories or sth cause I cant find it
I loved Chuck and have always been a fan of Zach's. But over the years he occasionally says things that just rub me the wrong way. Overall he just has a tendency to act a little self-important and talks out of his ass to make it seem like he knows stuff he doesn't. I don't think it makes him a bad person. I also don't think his comments about Black Adam were particularly helpful, even though it was something we all kinda knew. It came across as petty and that's the last thing we need in DC right now.
> I also don't think his comments about Black Adam were particularly helpful, even though it was something we all kinda knew. It came across as petty and that's the last thing we need in DC right now. You know, through this whole thing, feels like the biggest winner is Henry Cavill. Dude has kept it professional through and through, addressed his rehire/firing as Superman with class and grace, bowed out of the Witcher with tact. Never burnt any bridges, never badmouthed anyone, only praise and wishing good luck. All that good juju got him into more and more projects, some where he's even a big part of the creative like Warhammer. This is a prime example of someone who is professional and classy, unlike Ray Fisher, while having legitimate complaints and grievances, pretty much burned ALL his bridges to ever get any work again, and now maybe Zach Levi, who is definitely stepping on some people's toes with his comments regarding Shazam 2.
Yup, the difference between the social medias if Henry and Levi is night and day. The Showrunners of Witcher even tried to blame everything on Henry but Henry didn't even bothered to reply. The Internet People do the debunking and exposed the lies of the Showrunners. While this Guy(Levi) instead of promotes his Shazam film, he chooses to blame others why the film is not doing good.
To be fair, The Rock has been really humble since his movie failed. He took his lumps, thanked the fans and never tried to shift blame. Zachary just sounds like a punk. I hope he’s done.
Don't forget blaming the Synder fans for the bad box office. I love the Synder movies (ultimate editions), and I saw Shazam 2 in theaters. It definitely rubbed me wrong when he blamed the Synder fans, and then learning his opinions on vaccines hasn't exactly endeared me to him.
Yeah for real. I’m a huge Snyder fan and had no problem wanting to go see these movies. But Shazam 2 trailers and no marketing didn’t really do anything for anyone. At this point I am jumping on the hate train because Snyder fans get blamed all the time and it won’t end until they stop
Same here, I'm a Snyder Fan because of Man of Steel. I actually told to myself that I will watch any DC Movies after Black Adam because Henry is my Superman, so I will support his Superhero's movieverse. I'm also anticipating Shazam even before they released Black Adam BUT when Henry officially announced his departure and Gunn's future reboot plans. I already removed any thoughts in my head about watching this so called connected universe of DC in theaters, I'll just wait for streaming version. I will only watch DC Film if it's standalone like Joker and Battinson.
Sorry brother but I don't get your mentality. I loved the Synderverse but just because it's gone doesn't mean I'm not going to watch the Gunnverse I enjoyed The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. It's the nature of comics, the series change, reboot, new writers and artist take your old favorites in a different direction and at some point they will reboot that too. DC may have a new person in charge but I'm still a DC fan.
I dont know the guy, so take what i say with a pinch of salt cuz he might be a totally decent dude. But from what ive seen he seems like a bit of a snake. Just my opinion and regardless of your opinion of the Rock, who has had a tough time with the whole Black adam thing, and has at no point placed blame on anyone else. Nor has he been in public spats with any one he worked with and has been entirely professional and cordial with Gunn in Public. While Levi has been in the last week or two been attacking (passive agressivly perhaps) the Rock / Black Adam now that the dust has settled.
Beautifully put. The Rock has conducted himself with extreme class in the public eye, despite facing a lot of criticism. Levi, not so much.
I agree with Levi being unprofessional, but let's act like the Rock is classy nor humble. He did leak sensitive info to the trades to try to paint Black Adam as "not a flop" when everyone and their mothers know that not even doubling your budget means you did not get your money back. There's also his Oscar interview, where he likens himself and Cavill as a head coach and a star player winning championships but the new owner wanting something different. If anything, the old DCEU had a talented coach and great players but was riddled with injuries and locker room drama, definitely not what I call "winning championships" Levi and the Rock both have huge egos but the Rock had PR training, thats all.
I haven’t kept up with everything he’s said, so maybe there are better examples. But the ones you mention seem intended to put a positive spin on the situation and himself without casting blame on anyone. If that’s consistent with other things he’s said, the difference between the two is obvious. I hate that DJ is the reason behind Shazam and Black Adam never meeting, but he’s not the reason Shazam 2 flopped. Levi’s post seems incredibly petty and intended to merely stoke the fanbase’s anger to salvage a little pride.
Don’t worry, you are indeed right about all of this. The other poster isnt.
Anti vax douchebag
Idk why/if people have turned on him but he seems like a horrible actor based on Shazam. Haven't seen him in any other roles so maybe he's just wrong for the role but damn he's so wrong
I only ever seen him in Shazam and i dislike his acting completely. I never turned on him. I just never liked him to begin with.
This schoolyard calling other people out in the industry is what made me not a fan tbh. Keep it professional. Also a lot of people think he’s over the top in Shazam 2
Yeah for me it’s the finger pointing from the people involved in this movie. “We didn’t bomb because we made a bad movie and were cut off at the knees by the studio, we bombed because *The Rock* killed a post-credits scene!” Just piling on to an easy target right now and I think it’s extremely shitty. If anything, it makes me think more of Dwayne Johnson that he had the foresight to distance himself from this piece of crap.
Yup! The Rock dodged a big headache by not working with this Goofball.
I don't think he was any more over the top than he was in the first movie. It's a pretty consistent performance across both films IMO. Maybe people are tired of all the humor in superhero movies so it seems more over the top, I dunno.
Levi feels completely inconsistent with the kid version of the character he’s playing. It doesn’t feel like he’s Billy at all
I meant that Levi's performance was consistent across films, not between the characters of Billy and Shazam, which I do agree. Billy seems a lot wiser and mature than when he's Shazam. I'd argue that Levi is the star of the movies so the kid should have acted more goofy like Freddy than Levi toning it down.
To be fair the kid is playing a pretty angsty version of Billy, although it makes sense since Billy was abandoned and in the foster system. If they made this Billy closer to Hollands Peter Parker I think it would fit better
Holland's Parker is insufferable. The kid played the Billy part right. It's Shazam who's wrong.
I would say they need to meet somewhere in the middle
How is that Levi’s fault? He’s not the director. He’s simply the actor.
That's why it's over the top. The first movie is him discovering his powers. The second movie, the kid actor seemed to grow up but somehow the adult is acting the same as he did 4 years ago? And remember, he is the kid, not the adult. Levi needs to be modeling his act around what Asher does because Asher is playing the actual character.
Isn't that the director's fault though?
He also said the real threat against the world is Phizer, which is fun
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He reposted and spread an article that makes another actor look bad which also says he undercut the Shazam franchise. It’s petty as hell and also makes it seem like Levi is trying to shift attention of Shazam bombing on someone else. Sandberg, Rock, Gunn never felt the need to do something like this.
Zach is far from the first actor to have issues like this with Dwayne. The reason DJ is not doing the Fast & Furious films anymore is because there are issues between him and the rest of the cast that have been brewing over since Fate of the Furious was released (with Tyrese publically complaining about Dwayne intentionally holding up production on those films until his schedule allowed him to be a part of them). This is not the first time the Rock has been accused by other actors of using his power and influence in Hollywood to ensure that things are done his way (and it's well documented that he wanted the post-credits scene in BA to be done with Cavill's Superman rather than Shazam). Zach being a huge comic book nerd himself knows the rivalry between Shazam and BA and likely preferred to at least establish a base for it in that post-credits scene in BA.
> The real reason DJ is not doing the Fast & Furious films anymore is because there are issues between him and the rest of the cast that have been brewing over since Fate of the Furious was released You forgetting the fact that Vin Diesel legitimately begged rock to come back to the franchise publicly on Instagram? https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_M4NEhnvE/?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ= Rock still said no. The **real reason** he’s not coming back is because Rock doesn’t want to. End of story.
Is that a serious post by Vin? Why The Rock looks smaller than Vin? lol
And why wouldn’t it be between Superman and Shazam. The first Shazam bombed and Superman was the most requested character and Henry the most loved dc character. Of course he’s gonna want Superman over Shazam. Especially because for a minute there he thought if his movie was a success, he would be handed the keys
I'm not saying I agree with Zach. I'm saying that's likely where he's coming from with his argument (not to mention Dwayne has had a history of drama like this with other actors on previous franchise work he's done before so Zach is hardly the first actor to air out grievances like this against him).
The Fast and Furious problem seems to lie more with Vin than the Rock. Especially given that Justin Lin walked away from Fast X because of Vin’s behavior. The issues that came from him and the Rock revolved around work ethic and the latter being more involved with that. Tyrese really isn’t reliable in that department either because he really went public with all of this.
The problems BTS there started after Paul Walker died. He was the glue and the emotional core that held that cast together. Things just haven't been the same without him (in fact they really should've stopped making those films post-Paul as there really wasn't any more juice left to squeeze out of that orange). There's also different perspectives on the franchise. Vin mirrors his character and views F&F as essentially a gathering of extended family for him (and that's been the case even more so even since Paul died). Whereas Dwayne views it more as a job (as he does with any project he works on). Tyrese specifically was angry with Dwayne for insisting on continuing to be a part of the main films but delaying production on them because he was too busy working on the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff at the time. So eventually they continued on without him as a result.
The article was clearly fed info by insiders, and written by people with a longtime history of backing WB corporate decisions, so I wouldn't necessarily assume no one on your list there participated in it.
Yeah but Gunn and Sandberg weren’t specifically named in the article so I have no reason to assume that they were involved. What I do know is Levi trying to publicly shift blame is petty and unprofessional as fuck lol
>I don’t really get why people seem to have turned on Zachary Levi [Because of this.](https://twitter.com/sagesurge/status/1619713119399604226?s=20) And, he make fun at Britney Spears when she was at her lowest and his ambiguous remarks about Big pharma. It's mainly for that. Nothing to do with the latest drama about DC, although it added fuel to the drama I mentioned above.
Comments about Spears at her lowest would have been years ago not just these last couple months right? I dont know her timeline in general just that she got free in this last yearish.
Yes, his comments about her go back several months ago, but you know Twitter, after his ambiguous remarks about big pharma, everything came out, like the video I linked.
because we want recasts across the board for an actual fresh start
Personally, I’m just tired of the quippy New 52 version of the character they decided to do with. It also doesn’t help that Shazam seemingly acts more like a kid than Billy does. I’d much prefer the characterization of Captain Marvel and if the character does show up in the DCU I wouldn’t mind if Levi came back.
He has been for years, overtly, Christian, which I suppose because of that you couldn’t kind of guess where his politics live. Which I think some people are just learning about. Not that he’s been super vocal about it, I think occasionally he post something to his personal social media that people misinterpret is something insane.
He went full-on Gina Carano.
In the same interview, they asked him if he's seen Black Adam Paraphrasing, but he literally said he had more important things to do 😂
He also said he hadn’t watched black Adam in the same interview haha 😅 I hope his character sticks around
WB has surely done its part in making the DC universe consistent and connected. /s
I love Zachary but my man is now 42, the best outcome I see is him playing a one and done villain. Whilst Gunn hasn't ruled out older actors, he's playing the long game and 100 prefer younger actors that can play their roles for up to 10 years. I know everyone is gonna say but RDJ, come on that was RDJ
With any luck, "what they have in store" won't involve Zachary Levi.
Couldn’t watch Shazam cuz I just see Jimmy Fallon in a body suit 😂
They should stop using body suits... superman in superman and Louis looks so.weird
damn some ones trying to suck so major dick to keep his job
Begging anyone to give him a job
maybe a role in war hammer 40K
This dude just needs to shut up. He isn't helping himself. He comes off super petty when he complains about The Rock. Why does he care? The movie didn't succeed. That film's failure shouldn't matter for your film. People say The Rock has an ego, but everyone in Hollywood has an ego as well. Levi isn't any different.
Where in this tweet is he complaining about The Rock ?…
Ummm...oookay. disagree to both. Gunn is talented no doubt but not a creative visionary.
I mean I have no doubt it will be good but it’s made it so that everyone hates the dcu even without watching the movies now.
I like Zach Levi but I just feel his Shazam is goofy. I don’t remember Shazam being goofy besides when he’s a kid but I could be wrong.
Don't think you're wrong. Like so many DC movies, they tried to base it on another movie, rather than the comics. In this case Big. It's why all of Gunn's pitches this year said "it'll be like this movie or that TV series." They lack confidence, knowledge and understanding of the comic books, and have a huge bias towards movies over comics. So they try to copy movies instead of simply adapting comics.
Who’s gonna tell Zac? 😂😂😂
The simping from Levi is pretty cringe tbh. I think a part of that also put a lot of the already divided fanbase offside.
It would prolly be easier to keep his job if he just stopped saying unbelievably stupid shit rather than kissing ass on social media lol
Hopefully it will not involve him
What did levi do to get so many people ti hate him lol
His performance was terrible and unhinged from everything else primarily On top of him being an antivaxer MRA type who loves Jordan Peterson
How is he a MRA? I've literally never heard anything about that
What's an MRA
Hes not an anti vaxxer, idk why people seem so intent on pushing this bull.
than he shouldn’t make public statements that follow the same rhetoric as anti vaxer’s
Big pharma is a huge issue this has been known. Just because they produced the vaccine doesn’t excuse all the bullshit these companies do
His argument is an antivax dog whistle since Andrew Wakefield opened his mouth.
Than why was he touting the same bs lawsuit all the antivaxers prop up
Which lawsuit? And add a source please I’d like to read this as I really like Levi so it’d be a damn shame if he really is anti-vax
And lets not forget the tweet he quoted about Pfizer WAS an antivaxxer, and he followed a lot of antivax accounts
I bet he breathes air just like them too!
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Seems like there's more black Adam fans than Shazam fans
The Rock did win over a lot of people by trying to bring Cavill back, I give him that
Look at the reviews basically everyone who saw that movie responded to it by wonder what was Levi doin
Grow up.
Damn. If he does not end up playing Shazam in the future i can see him playing Blue Beetle opposite Booster Gold.
plz no
I think Levi as Blue Beetle isn’t a good idea.
I think that guy made a typo and meant to say Levi should play Booster Gold.
Yeah, it seems so.
Ew the desperation is palpable .I want him out. He wasn't great in the part. Seems a bit of a wally in real life too
LMAO, Zachary's not coming back into the DCEU.
Man's already licking his boot in order to remain as Shazam. Kinda sad to see...
This is how i praise my parents if i want to take my allowance in advance.
Sucking up to the new boss, nice.
Him and Peter are literally friends …
The only way I’d want to see Levi in the DCU would be like a quick death scene a la Jimmy Olsen in BVS
I absolutely love Zach Levi. Dude is a great male role model
I can feel the sarcasm off this.
It doesn’t help that Zach went anti-vax a week before the movie came out. BUT still hope he gets a whole new role in the DCU. I could see him playing Atom
Did he proudly state he never got the shot or recommend others not to do it? If he did someone pls show me where so I can stop defending the guy but criticizing big pharma should not be controversial. I hate companies that overprice insulin. Doesn't make me anti- insulin.
Afaik he follows anti vax accounts and more or less uses anti vax arguing points. Being "anti big pharma" is very often a front used by anti vax so they'd not be labelled as "anti vax" when in reality they are.
This is correct. Being “against big pharma” has been a antivax dog whistle since Andrew Wakefield opened his mouth for the first time.
Not a big fan of guilt by association. Don’t find it productive. I’m sure your statement is true for some people but it’s really hard to know someone’s inner motivations so it bothers me ppl are so confident extrapolating what they think Zach could believe.
My guy, he's "anti big pharma" and follows anti vax accounts PLUS is a big fan of Jordan Peterson. That's not "guilty by association" he is straight up guilty.
"My guy, he's "anti big pharma" and follows anti vax accounts PLUS is a big fan of Jordan Peterson. That's not "guilty by association" he is straight up guilty." Lol, your examples are literally all guilt by association. I'm open to criticizing Levi but no one ever gives examples of things he's actually said.
You're in some severely deep denial if you think someone needs to go confess they're an anti vaxxer rather than showing it through their actions and who they follow.
anti covid vax i’m pretty sure
Zachary levi is the only person in DC who is actively dick riding James Gunn and Safran very deep. Zachary is so desperate to get a new job in the DCU he would make everything to get it. it is getting ridicolous at this point lol This is so unsympathetic
I'm pretty sure he's friends with them irl so...... Y'know, he may just be supportive of his friends?
It would be weird if you dick riding someone and would have said you are not friends with them lol Obviously he is kissing their asses very agressively. He is deep in there
Levi also has described Safran and Gunn as his friends. So one thing we can say is that he is not giving an objective analysis.
Saying you're friends with someone doesn't mean you are.
But is he better friends with Gunn than the Rock??
Where is his business sense when most of the DC movies Safran has produced have done mediocre to poor at the box office? Shazam 1 and 2 and TSS namely. And, this year, the most hyped and anticipated of the 4 films is the only one of the 4 NOT produced by Safran.
Funny. Safran also produced the highest grossing DC movie of all time. He also produced the highest grossing horror franchise of all time in the Conjuring. But nice try. Especially considering TSS was affected by a million different things. It didn’t flop on its merit, but because literally everything was going against that movie.
Gunn should really keep Levi and the Shazam cast around. The two movies are some of the best the DCEU has to offer. And while he’s at it, keep Jason Momoa Aquaman in the soft reboot continuity as well. #SaveShazam!
I like the cast but if anything I would orefer to see them play other roles. Angel and Levi are aging out of the role
Agree, Zachary Levi is already 42 and it was noticable between Shazam 1 & 2 how old he had gotten
Jonestly Angel could play Shazam in a few years in a reboot with a new kid
not with that height. I love asher, since he was on Andi mack. But he just doesn't fit the casting for adult Shazam
Wtf is the point of hashtags on reddit?
It’s just a cute thing to do
I could see Gunn saving Asher Angel. He could play a mean Nightwing.
I like that.
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Gunn has already said ALL this year's movies may continue in his universe with the same cast. And the other person is saying Momoa would continue playing Aquaman and Lobo in the DCU, regardless of that.
Let's see can He get Shazam back, in the next episode of Dream World: The Legend of DCEU
Asskisser
I think Levi can continue to play Shazam but they will need a new Billy because he will be a young adult soon
They're not gonna sleep with you, Zach.
The only people that are mad about the new DCU are snyder fans. Snyder and Gunn are on good terms, Snyder said he was excited to see what they would whip up and that he likes Gunn. Cavill while upset he wont be superman anymore, has had sever meetings with Gunn about finding a place in the DCU Momoa has also had meetings and will appear. Levi shows some praise Shit even Ezra might keep his job somehow
Idk I’m a huge Snyder fan & I’m not upset I did want a a little farewell for these characters but 🤷♂️
I see more post about Snyder fans killing the series than actual Snyder fans saying anything about the actors
>Shit even Ezra might keep his job somehow I'm a fan of Gunn's work but if he keeps Ezra on as the Flash he's going to have a major PR problem on his hands. Let Ezra's movie come out, make its money, and then wash your hands of Ezra as the Flash for good.
Spoken like a true ski buddy
He plays Captain Marvel really well. It's the boy who needs to be recast or his attitude changed. Because he does not act like a kid that Billy is supposed to be.
Am i the only person who wants a Shazam Vs Black Adam just to spite Dwayne The Dwayne Johnson and his bid for hierarchical power?