Directed by David F. Sandberg and penned by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan, Shazam! Fury of the Gods hit theaters on March 29, 2023. Serving as a direct sequel to Shazam! (2019), the film brings back Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, and Jack Dylan Grazer for an action-packed, fantastical comedy adventure. After its theatrical run, the movie will join the HBO Max catalog starting March 29, 2026.
Billy Batson, a teenager living in foster care, can still become an adult superhero simply by saying the word “Shazam.” Alongside his foster siblings, who also possess divine powers, he’s balancing the ups and downs of high school life with the demands of heroism. The “Shazam family” is still learning how to work together as a team, navigating awkward moments, sibling rivalries, and the quest for recognition.
The balance tilts when the Daughter of the Atlas—Hespera, Kalypso, and Anthea—emerge to reclaim the magic tied to the young hero's powers. These ancient deities, rooted in Greek mythology, aim to restore an order they believe has been betrayed by humanity. The clash quickly escalates to a global scale, forcing Billy to confront his own doubts: is he ready to embrace his destiny as the champion of the gods?
This second installment delves deeper into the mythological roots of the characters, whose powers are derived from divine figures such as Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. Helen Mirren brings to life Hespera, Lucy Liu lends her voice to Kalypso, while Rachel Zegler portrays Anthea, a mysterious new student at a Philadelphia high school. The film thus expands the universe established in the first film by pitting the young heroes against villains rooted directly in ancient cosmogony.
The production aims for a more spectacular scale, with a blend of visual and sound effects designed specifically for premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Atmos. The costumes, created by Ironhead Studio, have been refined to ensure consistency in textures and cuts, while the goddess outfits underwent 3D scans and printing to achieve a sculptural, almost statue-like appearance. The score, composed by Christophe Beck—an artist well-versed in comic book adaptations—features an orchestral theme that embodies the concept of a heroic family.
Building on the momentum of the first film, the tone shifts seamlessly between teenage humor and cosmic stakes. This unique blend sets the franchise apart within the DC universe, emphasizing teamwork and the journey toward maturity rather than a purely dark take on heroism. The story explores themes of responsibility, lineage, and self-acceptance through a fantastical lens.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Movie | 2023
Released in theaters: March 29, 2023
Available on HBO Max from March 29, 2026
Action, adventure, comedy, fantasy | Duration: 2h10
Directed by David F. Sandberg | Starring Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, Rachel Zegler
Original title: Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Country: United States
Expanding its universe to include mythological figures and amping up its action sequences, Shazam! Fury of the Gods continues to explore the journey of a teenage superhero balancing humor with a legendary destiny. Its release on HBO Max offers a fresh chance to revisit this family-friendly, fantastical adventure within the DC lineup.
For even more options, check out our curated list of HBO Max's new releases for March, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top pick What to watch today in streaming.
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