Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), directed by David F. Sandberg, is the sequel to the 2019 film Shazam! and continues the story of Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his superhero alter-ego Shazam (Zachary Levi). The film expands the mythology of the Shazam universe, introducing new challenges and formidable enemies, while maintaining the humor and heart of the original.
The story picks up with Billy Batson, now a teenager, who has fully embraced his superhero identity as Shazam. Alongside his foster siblings, who each possess powers when they say the magic word “Shazam,” Billy continues to struggle with the responsibilities of being a hero while balancing his ordinary teenage life. However, he also faces growing pains, as his family dynamic evolves, and his fear of losing his foster siblings’ support starts to weigh heavily on him.
The peace is soon disrupted when two powerful daughters of the Greek god Atlas, Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu), arrive in the mortal world. The sisters are angry at the misuse of the magical powers that their father bestowed upon them and plan to take back the powers they believe were wrongly stolen by humans. Their goal is to reclaim the magical artifacts that grant them their powers and use them to wreak havoc on the world, as they attempt to reshape it in their vision.
Billy and his foster family must face the new threat head-on, but this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Hespera and Kalypso possess god-like abilities and are ruthless in their quest to unleash their wrath on humanity. With their vast knowledge of magic and ancient artifacts, they pose a much bigger challenge than any villain Billy and his family have faced before. To make matters worse, the sisters’ powers are not easily countered by conventional methods, forcing Billy and his team to use all of their wits, strength, and teamwork to stop them.
As the battle intensifies, Billy faces an internal conflict of his own. He grapples with the pressure of living up to his superhero identity while trying to maintain the bonds with his family, who have been there for him through thick and thin. In addition to this, the film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility, as Billy must come to terms with his role as a leader of his team.
While Shazam! Fury of the Gods continues the light-hearted, comedic tone that made the first film so beloved, it also delves deeper into the complexities of Billy’s journey as a hero. The film balances epic fantasy action, vibrant visuals, and heartfelt moments that explore the meaning of family and what it takes to be a true hero. Billy and his siblings must find a way to work together, tap into the full extent of their powers, and stop the evil sisters before they can rewrite reality itself.