Is Zachary Levi still Shazam in Black Adam? Why?

Over the years, there have been highs and lows for DCEU. Aquaman, Wonder Woman and many others have been called highlights, whereas Suicide Squad, Justice League, and Justice League are more divided. Both would essentially even be revisited later on with The Suicide Squad and Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

Many people would argue that the DCEU has struggled with balancing tones since its inception.

Warner Bros. was surprised by the success of Shazam 2019, a lighter-hearted, but emotionally powerful, in 2019.

The superhero’s debut in the cinematic franchise provided plenty of laughs and heart. With the release of Black Adam on Friday, October 21st 2022, it’s only natural that audiences are curious to learn whether the heroic nemesis of Dwayne Johnson’s character drops in.

In this light, will Zachary Levi reprise his role as Shazam in Black Adam?

Is Zachary Levi still Shazam in Black Adam?

Zachary has not played the Shazam role again in Black Adam, but it is an important part the DCEU.

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the superhero blockbuster serves to debut Dwayne’s titular character in the cinematic universe, offering audiences an origin story to help familiarise themselves with the DC Comics antihero.

DC Comics revealed that it was actually the Wizard Shazam, who thousands of years ago bestowed his powers on Adam in the hope that he would become the protector of ancient Egypt.

He became a bit mad at power, and Shazam banished him for 5,000 Years.

The comics establish that they’re sworn enemies and Black Adam has a clear motive to exact revenge upon his tormentor and former ally. Yet, the 2022 movie ultimately shies away from introducing Zachary’s portrayal into the mix just yet.

Why isn’t Shazam in Black Adam?

As for the reason behind Shazam’s absence, Dwayne explained the deDuring a recent conversation with Vanity Fair.

“When the first draft of the movie came to us, it was a combination of Black Adam and Shazam: two origin stories in one movie. Now that was the goal – so it wasn’t a complete surprise. But when I read that, I just knew in my gut, ‘We can’t make this movie like this. We would be doing Black Adam an incredible disservice.’”

He continued: “It would’ve been fine for Shazam having two origin stories converge in one movie, but not good for Black Adam.”

Similar to the interview, posted to Twitter by @AjepArtsDwayne increased his efforts to do this.

“We have to respect Shazam and his origin story, that has to be its own movie,”He disagreed. “Respect Black Adam, this has to be its own movie. Build them up, and then you can do this.”

DCEU will soon welcome Shazam back

Although the fan-favorite character wasn’t in Black Adam, audiences are invited to catch up with him soon in the Shazam sequel.

Shazam! Fury Of The Gods is scheduled for release on Friday, March 17th 2023, serving as the DCEU’s twelfth entry.

Black Adam is now playing in theaters

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In other news: Is Zachary Levi still Shazam in Black Adam?