Zachary Levi has stated he would be interested in a Zachary Levi DCU return, provided James Gunn and Peter Safran have a role for him in their newly rebooted DC Universe. Speaking with FeatureFirst, the actor known for playing Shazam! expressed a strong desire to either reprise his role as the lightning-powered hero or potentially take on a completely new character within the evolving superhero franchise.
Levi explained that he truly enjoyed embodying the title character in the two Shazam! films and feels a deep affection for the ensemble cast, whom he refers to as his “Shazamly.” He emphasized the unique experience of the project, combining elements reminiscent of Christopher Reeves’ Superman and Tom Hanks’ role in the film Big. According to Levi, acting as Shazam! gave him a chance to relive the kind of joy and wonder he saw growing up as a fan of both comic books and classic films.
Oh, yeah! Listen, I love playing Shazam! It was one of the most fun experiences,
—Zachary Levi, Actor
I grew up watching Christopher Reeves‘ “Superman
—Zachary Levi, Actor
and Tom Hanks in Big, and I got to be both in one role. And he’s such a fun role. I love my Shazamly, as we affectionately call it; every one of those actors, young and old. We really shared an awesome experience over two movies.”
—Zachary Levi, Actor
Possibilities for Future Roles in the DCU
When asked about his willingness to return, Levi made it clear he would be happy to revisit his role as Shazam! if offered, but is also open to portraying a different DC character, depending on the direction taken by Gunn and Safran. Having been an avid comic book reader since childhood, Levi expressed particular enthusiasm for stories that bring fresh perspectives or previously unexplored sides of the DC universe.
So, yeah, if James and the powers that be said, ‘we’d love to bring you back as Shazam!’ or if there were some other DC character…[I’d do it],
—Zachary Levi, Actor
I love comic books, I’ve been reading them since I was a kid, so long as it was something that was really worthy, like a character or a story that was “oh wow, that’s new and that’s different, that’s a flavor we haven’t really seen yet before.
—Zachary Levi, Actor
Zachary Levi brought Shazam! to life in both the original 2019 film and its follow-up, Fury Of The Gods, released in 2023. While the first movie performed well at the box office and earned praise for its lighter tone, the sequel struggled to achieve similar success, falling short of studio and critical expectations. So far, there is no official role for Shazam! or Levi in James Gunn’s upcoming plans for the rebooted DCU.
Reflecting on Shazam!’s Setbacks and Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The lackluster performance of Fury Of The Gods left a strong impression on both fans and the entertainment industry. Levi became notably vocal in the aftermath, frequently commenting online and assigning blame to factors including Dwayne Johnson’s decisions regarding the Black Adam crossover, as well as toxic online criticism that he believes contributed to disappointing box office returns. The collapse of the anticipated connection between Shazam! and Black Adam became a point of contention, with Levi stating that studio politics and personal interests played a role in hampering franchise growth.
Levi’s career after Fury Of The Gods included roles in films like Spy Kids: Armageddon, Harold And The Purple Crayon, and Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget. However, none of these projects managed to rejuvenate his commercial standing, and industry insiders suggest that Levi still harbors disappointment from the way Shazam! ended as a franchise. One anonymous source explained Levi’s mindset through a candid statement about how the actor viewed his casting and the opportunity it presented.
Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget
—(No attribution provided)
When he was cast as Shazam!, it was literally his dream,
—Anonymous, Industry Source
He thought this was his ticket to being The Rock or Chris Evans. But it didn’t happen for him, and he’s bitter about that.
—Anonymous, Industry Source
Personal and Professional Shifts After Shazam!
Since the fallout, Levi has remained professionally active, securing three movie roles lined up for 2025 as well as a role in Hotel Tehran next year. In parallel to his continued work in film, his public persona has changed. Levi’s reaction to the reception of Fury Of The Gods drew mixed responses, with some observers labeling it as a sign of desperation and entitlement. His endorsement of Donald Trump last year was viewed by some as a strategic move to appeal to faith-oriented conservative audiences, reflecting a pivot in his public alignment and potential film projects.
Adding to this significant shift, Levi moved from Los Angeles to Texas after the underwhelming outcome of Fury Of The Gods. This relocation, alongside changes to his public statements, appears to reflect an intentional move away from the traditional Hollywood system.
Industry Reception and What Lies Ahead
Levi finished his remarks about a possible Zachary Levi DCU return by emphasizing his excitement at the prospect. However, the question remains whether his involvement would be welcomed by current DCU leadership, given recent industry observations about ego clashes and strained professional relationships. While Dwayne Johnson’s decisions surrounding Black Adam were heavily criticized by Levi, industry insiders have pointed out that Levi’s outspoken approach may be equally challenging for collaborative creative work.
I think it would be a lot of fun.
—Zachary Levi, Actor
The situation highlights the complex realities of Hollywood franchises, where reputations and behind-the-scenes dynamics play significant roles in career longevity and opportunities. For now, no announcement has been made regarding Levi’s involvement in the DCU reboot under James Gunn, and both fans and industry watchers await any future developments with keen interest.
