The countdown is on until DC’s favorite champion makes a timely return to theaters inShazam! Fury of the Gods. Ahead of the film’s release, Collider has learned that the superhero sequel’s runtime is set to clock in at 2 hours and 10 minutes, just two minutes shorter than its predecessor.
Directed byDavid F. Sandberg, who also helmed the first movie,Shazam! Fury of the Godshas plenty of action teed up for Billy Batson played byAsher AngerandZachary Levi. The film chronicles the story of foster child Billy, who rapidly transforms from an average teenager to a superhero whenever he says “shazam.” Having extended his powers to his foster siblings, the film will see the family on a journey to balancing teenage life alongside superhero powers.Shazam! Fury of the Godwill also introduce the daughters of Atlas as ancient deities who are determined to take back the powers stolen from their father, putting not only Billy and his family at risk but also the rest of the world. The anticipated sequel also landed thecoveted release in China.
Unsurprisingly, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders takes a toll on Billy who fought so hard to find his place and his family. When asked what the journey will be for the family in the upcoming film,Sandberg told Collider,
“In the movie, Billy – Shazam – he’s trying to keep the family together but everyone’s sort of doing their own thing, [and] they haven’t really learned how to work together. Especially like Freddy, he just wants “Yeah, I’m gonna be a superhero on my own. Why do we have to do everything together?” So the movie is sort of about them having to learn to work together and be a superhero team.”
RELATED:New ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Poster Showcases the Titular Hero Ready For Battle
‘Shazam!’ Was Hit With Critics and Viewers
Previously,Shazam!won critical and audience approval for bringing some light to DC’s otherwise much darker slate of films. Fromthe trailer, it looks like the sequel is set to follow in similar footsteps with effortless humor laced into the bones of the characters. Whilst the kid-at-heart angle is certainly a part of the follow-up film, it is also set to invite some more serious moments. “It’s not just like, ‘Wow, I get to be a superhero!'“Sandberg explained previously. “He [Billy] actually has to take some responsibility and save the world this time.” Given that DC has become renowned for its ability to tackle the heavier aspects of both life and heroism, it looks like there is plenty for audiences to look forward to.
The film comes amid looming uncertainty over the future of DC, following a re-shuffle of epic proportions which sawMan of Steel 2, which was set to see a return forHenry Cavill, andPatty Jenkins’Wonder Woman 3axed. Despite some dark days, things are looking up at DC withShazam! Fury of the Godsthe first in a line of releases for the studio this year withThe FlashandBlue Beetlehot on its heels.
You can watch Billy and his friends take center stage inShazam! Fury of the Gods,in theaters, on March 17. In the meantime, you can check out Collider’s interview with director Sandberg below:
