Zachary Levi Reportedly Disappointed Over Shazam Role: “His Ticket to Being The Rock or Chris Evans”
Zachary Levi, who portrayed the charming, childlike superhero in the Shazam! franchise, reportedly believed that his role would be his big break into A-list Hollywood stardom, similar to the career trajectories of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans. However, it seems things didn’t quite unfold the way Levi had envisioned. According to sources, the actor is feeling disillusioned and bitter about how his time as Shazam played out, as the opportunity didn’t catapult him to the superstar status he had hoped for.
The Promise of Shazam! and Superhero Stardom
When Shazam! was released in 2019 as part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), it received largely positive reviews. Fans and critics praised Levi’s fun and lively performance as the titular character, Billy Batson, a young teenager who transforms into an adult superhero. Levi’s portrayal of Shazam highlighted the mix of innocence, humor, and energy that made the character stand out among other, more serious DC heroes like Batman and Superman.
At the time, many believed that Shazam! could be the beginning of a major franchise for DC, with Levi’s portrayal serving as the perfect antidote to the darker tones of other DCEU films. In fact, Levi himself reportedly saw the role as his ticket to blockbuster stardom, similar to how Dwayne Johnson’s role as Black Adam and Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America propelled them into the Hollywood elite.
Why Shazam! Didn’t Become the Breakout Levi Expected
Despite Levi’s optimism, things didn’t quite pan out as expected. While Shazam! was well-received, it didn’t achieve the massive box office success that films like Aquaman, Wonder Woman, or Man of Steel did. The film earned around $366 million globally, a respectable figure but not a runaway hit in the realm of superhero films, especially compared to Marvel’s massive blockbusters.
Levi reprised his role in Shazam! Fury of the Gods in 2023, but the sequel struggled at the box office, earning significantly less than its predecessor. The film’s underwhelming performance further diminished the chances of Shazam! becoming a tentpole franchise within the DCEU. Additionally, the ever-changing landscape of DC Studios, particularly with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking the reins, has left the future of many characters, including Shazam, uncertain.
The Shadow of The Rock and Chris Evans
Levi’s frustrations reportedly stem from his belief that his portrayal of Shazam would place him alongside the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans, both of whom have become synonymous with their superhero roles in recent years. Johnson, who portrayed Black Adam, a character tied closely to Shazam in the comics, has built a multi-billion-dollar career that extends well beyond the superhero genre. Chris Evans, on the other hand, rose to global fame with his portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), becoming one of the most recognizable and celebrated actors in Hollywood.
Sources suggest that Levi felt Shazam’s potential for growth, both as a character and within the DCEU, could have mirrored the meteoric rise of Captain America in the MCU. However, with the Shazam! films failing to achieve the same level of cultural and box office dominance, Levi’s career trajectory didn’t reach the heights he had hoped for.
What’s Next for Zachary Levi?
It’s clear that Levi is experiencing some frustration over the path his career has taken post-Shazam!. While Levi has a loyal fanbase and is still a beloved actor for his comedic roles, it appears that the superhero role hasn’t resulted in the lasting A-list recognition he was expecting.
Levi is no stranger to success, having previously starred in the beloved TV show Chuck and lending his voice to Disney’s Tangled as the charming Flynn Rider. However, the coveted superhero spotlight that has transformed actors like Evans and Robert Downey Jr. into global superstars hasn’t seemed to come Levi’s way yet.
Looking forward, Levi will need to decide how to navigate the next phase of his career. Will he stick around the superhero realm, hoping for another shot at redemption in the DC Universe under James Gunn’s new leadership, or will he seek out different kinds of roles that can showcase his talents beyond the shadow of Shazam!?
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Reality
Zachary Levi’s turn as Shazam had all the elements of a career-defining role: a beloved superhero character, a major Hollywood franchise, and the backing of a major studio. But in the increasingly competitive world of superhero franchises, sometimes even great performances can get lost in the shuffle.
Levi’s reported bitterness is understandable. He entered the DCEU with hopes of following in the footsteps of actors like Johnson and Evans, whose superhero roles launched them into megastardom. Yet, despite his enthusiasm and energetic portrayal of Shazam, the lackluster box office returns and shifting priorities within DC Studios seem to have left Levi’s dreams of A-list superstardom just out of reach.
While his time as Shazam might not have turned him into the next major superhero star, Zachary Levi remains a talented actor with a bright future. Whether he continues in the world of capes and spandex or takes on new, challenging roles outside of the superhero genre, Levi’s fans will no doubt be rooting for his next big move.
