Zachary Levi is still in shock that he got the titular role even when it has been years since the release of Shazam! His DCEU film is now in the works for a sequel with Shazam! Fury of The Gods. His initial thought on his character was hilarious saying "I thought this was a John Cena thing."
In a recent interview in the The Late Late Show hosted by James Corden, Zachary Levi took the time to reflect on his character and his success in his portrayal saying, "I'm still shocked I got the job, honestly. I know that The Rock was playing Black Adam – who in the comic book is basically like the twin of Shazam – like the Bizarro version. And I was like, 'I'm not getting a shot. No. I am not the twin of The Rock; I thought this was a John Cena thing.”
Levi added, “Fortunately, I was just an adult that never grew up inside, and so they thought I was their man. And I'm really hoping they don't change their mind after the sequel."
With Dwayne Johnson is about to enter the DCEU as Black Adam, Levi’s remarks on being the “twin” of The Rock seems like something is brewing as regards the meet-up of the superhero and the antihero, possibly in the near future of the franchise. Black Adam will be releasing in 2022 and the year after will be that of Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Related: Shazam: Helen Mirren Drops New Details About Mysterious Fury of the Gods Character
Considering Shazam! and what transpired in the movie, it is unlikely that the role would be something of a John Cena thing as it perfectly fits the personality of Zachary Levi with a kid being transformed into a superhero having a contrasting appearance as his counterpart. His portrayal was fun and it is much less dark than other DCEU films that came before and after it.
Currently, John Cena is promoting his latest DCEU appearance in his upcoming Peacemaker series donning the suit of the titular character after his successful portrayal in the recent The Suicide Squad and it is about to hit HBO Max this coming January 13, 2022.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is currently under post-production as they ended filming in late August this year. The film still has a long way to go but with a 2023 release window, their timeline is not as constrained.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is scheduled for release in theaters on June 2, 2023.