DC and New Line Cinemas Shazam! Wrath of the Gods feeling contempt.
The film opened with $30.5 million domestically from 4,071 theaters, far short of the first movie’s $53.5 million domestic. Shazam! 2019, not adjusted for inflation.
It’s one of the worst starts for a major Hollywood superhero movie, as well as one of the worst starts for a title in the DC Cinematic Universe, including those that were released. Released during the pandemic.
Pre-release follow-up has been suggested Shazam! Wrath of the Gods will open up at least $35 million this weekend. Others believe it took a shot at $40 million.
Shazam 2Rotten Tomatoes’ review score is ho-hum 54 percent. That compares to 90 percent for the 2019 film. The sequel also received a lighter B+ CinemaScore than the first movie’s A.
Families — which played a key role in the surprise success of the first film — remain a challenging test-bed for moviegoers during the pandemic. Parents and children also appear for the sequel.
Wrath of the Gods is the 12th installment in the DC Extended Universe and the first to be released since Warner Bros. Discovery director. David Zaslav exploits James Gunn and Shazam! franchise producer Peter Safran to run DC Studios and design a full overhaul.
Wrath of the Gods It also happens that the futures of DC characters and actors are introduced before Gunn and Safran’s takeover hangs in the balance. Superman actor Henry Cavill, for example, will not be returning. Levi addressed his future at Tuesday’s Hollywood premiere, saying Hollywood Reporter: “I am very satisfied with this movie. … I hope it’s not my last.”
Directed by David F. Sandberg Shazam! Wrath of the Gods from a screenplay by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan. Asher Angel and Zachary Levi return as Billy Bastson aka Shazam. Djimon Hounson, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu and, in the first film since her breakout role in Spielberg’s West StoryRachel Zegler, also the star.
Another new wide release this weekend is Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin’s Roadside Attractions. continue, debuted with about $2 million from 791 screens. The comedy based on elders, like families, is a challenging demo. continue came in 12th place.
Back in the top 10, shout VI grossed $17.5 million from 3,675 theaters for a domestic cume of $76 million. The killer photo was down 61 percent.
Article of Faith III also remains a notable contender, earning $15.3 million from 3,477 locations in its third launch for a domestic cume of $127.6 million.
At the special box office, Focus Feature’s Willem Defoe heist thriller Inside came in at number 14, grossing $470,000 from 375 locations.
More to come.
March 19, 7:45 am: Updated with revised estimate.
