Zachary Levi remains a topic of conversation in the media, and it’s quite unfortunate. This time, we’re diving deep into his aspirations for the Shazam! franchise. At this stage, it might be wise for him to move on.
It’s evident that Levi has longed for stardom. However, it seems his desire wasn’t merely about becoming famous through hard work; he sought a new level of recognition comparable to that of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. Kudos for dreaming big, but perhaps better career choices could have been made.
The actor, who recently backed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for presidency, now finds himself endorsing Donald Trump. This surprising shift sparked widespread speculation about whether this decision would further jeopardize Levi’s already shaky film career. There are reports that Levi genuinely believed that Shazam could be his breakthrough. Seriously, in what universe did he think SHAZAM would propel him to greatness?
An insider, who is likely urging Levi to reconsider his path, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the disappointing performance of the Shazam films was a crushing blow for him. “When he was cast as Shazam, it was literally his dream,” the insider noted. “He believed this role was his gateway to being as big as The Rock or Chris Evans. But that didn’t pan out, leaving him resentful.” Yeah, we can see that.
It’s essential to point out that throughout the history of the DC universe, Shazam has never been the character capable of launching someone to such heights of fame.
Sure, playing a superhero is a significant achievement, and I give Levi credit for that. However, being part of a larger franchise doesn’t automatically elevate you to the status of Captain America. Shazam, in particular, isn’t a widely recognized character. While the entire Justice League might have that star potential, Shazam? Not so much! He’s… not well-known!
Shazam is akin to Miracleman…yeah, a hero you might not recognize
I’m hesitant to label someone as deluded, but Levi’s expectations surrounding Shazam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods seem somewhat unrealistic. Personally, I found both films entertaining, but they revolve around SHAZAM. Let’s be honest: in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, characters such as Ant-Man succeed because they are played by established stars who make us care about less prominent heroes.
Levi’s participation as Shazam was a delightful addition for his fans, but the broader audience wasn’t likely to invest their interest. He doesn’t have the same star appeal as Paul Rudd. The notion that a film centered on a lesser-known DC character would thrust him into the same realm as Dwayne Johnson is quite puzzling. Even Black Adam struggled to find success, yet The Rock possesses the resilience to bounce back. Zachary Levi, however, seems to lack that same fortitude.
This all gives us a clearer picture of his mindset. He assumed he could elevate a character that few recognize into a mainstream sensation, but… come on, you have to know your limits. You weren’t acting as Superman. Shazam was never going to transform your career, and reacting this way is… well, definitely an interesting choice.