Despite what should be a celebration ofShazam!: Fury of the Godsin its opening week, its star, Zachary Levi, seems more interested in not only fighting against what he describes as toxic fans but also Dwayne Johnson.Amid fan criticism,Shazamdirector David Sandberg confirmed DC Studios Co-CEO Peter Safran called in a favor to include Jennifer Holland’sPeacemakercharacter, featured inBlack Adam, inShazam 2after plans for different characters fell through at the last minute. This might lend credence to reports blaming Johnson, which Levi echoed in saying thatJohnson vetoed theShazam 2post-credits scenethat would have featured the Justice Society, forcing Safran to resort to thosePeacemakersupporting characters. Perhaps what is most surprising, though, is that this grudge match seems to extend beyond the studio and actors’ discontent with one another and into the films themselves.RELATED:The Flash PG-13 Rating Includes One Very Unexpected ElementIn an interview withET Canadaconducted amidShazam 2’s opening, Levi stated that he has not seenBlack Adamand followed up by expressing he has “a full plate of other things to get to in life.” This is surprising, seeing as how Black Adam and Shazam are arch-enemies in the comics and fans were hoping to have crossovers between those characters in the movies. However, Johnson allegedly wanted tokeepBlack Adamseparate fromShazam, at least initially, which was reported to be why Johnson allegedly did not want the Justice Society showing up inShazam 2. However, some people believe the report presents questions that challenge this insider claim, such as the actor having that level of influence unknown to Warner Bros. regarding other DC films.
Levi continued the interview by once again praising Co-CEOs Safran and Gunn, which echoes patterns of the actor celebrating previous studio executive Walter Hamada, who Johnson had to go around to get Henry Cavill’s Superman inBlack Adamsince Hamada had wanted to recast the character. It has been speculated that becauseJohnson wanted to do right by Superman fans, Warner Bros. Discovery wants to frame the actor in a negative light so that audiences would be more open to the upcoming DCU. Even so, assuming Warner Bros. Discovery is accurate in pointing fingers at Johnson, with Levi confirming these reports, then it would not be entirely illogical to suggest that thePeacemakercharacters would not be seen again in future cameo roles.
It is unclear if Levi’s future as Shazam will meet the same fate as Johnson’s Black Adam. However, judging by the latestShazam 2 box office numbers, it is safe to say that this could be the case. Perhaps Levi may eventually get around to watchingBlack Adamif there is an opportunity for those actors to come together. But as of now, it seems likeBlack Adamcould bring about painful feelings to the actor, whose DC future may be in jeopardy.
