DC Studios has headliens following the recent exit of Henry Cavill and Dwayne Johnson from the studio. Cavill’s time as Superman officially met its end while The Rock won't return as Black Adam in the near future. More importantly, DC is reportedly recasting superheroes to fit James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plan for the DC Universe moving forward. Zachary Levi is staying with the DCU as Shazam!, at least for now, but he can't help but grieve after the news of Cavill and Johnson's respective departures broke out.
Levi recently posted a video message on Instagram checking in on his fans and sharing his thought regarding the recent news of Cavill and Johnson exiting DC. The actor shared that it was difficult even for him as he was excited to work with both actors.
“Everyone, just take a breath,” the actor said. “I know we've seen some characters, some actors that are taking an exit. And I know that's difficult. That's difficult for even me, you know what I mean?”
He adds, “I was hoping I got to work with a lot of these folks. But it's just not the way it's going to go down right now.”
Black Adam and Shazam were bitter rivals in the comic books as Teth-Adam caused the death of Billy Batson’s parents. The pair were supposed to have a movie together exploring the rivalry.
Superman, on the other hand, was a mentor and role model for the young superhero. They could have teamed up with the rest of the Justice League similar to the comic books. Even if the opportunity to work with Cavill and Johnson in the DC Universe is no longer an option, Levi still encourages fans to have faith in Gunn and Safran.
Whoever is still out there all drummed up and pissed off, just trust that James is so... He understands comic books, he understands world-building. He understands how to do right by the canon, and also right by the characters, and also by the audience. And Peter is an incredible diplomat and business person. I've worked with him now for years.
Just breathe, it's going to be okay. It's going to be better than okay, but we have to give them that, we have to give them some respect and trust in that. These are my two cents, you take them for whatever you want.
It's unclear whether Levi will be retained by Gunn as a part of the new DC Universe, but it'd make a ton of sense if he doesn't leave. Levi's character hasn't shared any screentime with a single soul from the now-defunct DCEU outside of post-credits scenes. In addition, Levi's little corner in the DCEU has been well-received by fans and critics alike. It'd be a shame to shelve his portrayal just because he signed on before Gunn took over.
We will know for certain what the future holds for Levi’s Shazam next year as the new co-heads, Gunn and Safran, are set to unveil their plans for the DCU after the new year.
Levi will be returning to the big screen in Shazam!: Fury of the Gods which opens in theaters on March 17.
