Box Office: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Heads for Somber $30M Domestic Opening

DC and New Line Cinemas Shazam! wrath of the gods feels despised.

The film opened Friday at $11.7 million, including $3.4 million in previews, for an expected weekend debut of around $30 million.

That would be one of the worst starts for a major Hollywood superhero film, as well as one of the worst for a title in the DC Cinematic Universe, including those released during the pandemic. And it’s well behind the opening of the first at $53.5 million domestically Shazam! in 2019, not adjusted for inflation.

scream VI remains a key contender in his second weekend and could make $18 million. Creed III also stays on notable contender and could make nearly $16 million.

Prerelease tracking had suggested Shazam! wrath of the gods would open to at least $35 million this weekend. Others believe it has a shot at $40 million.

Shazam 2Rotten Tomatoes’ critic rating is a whopping 54 percent. Compared to 90 percent for the 2019 film. The sequel also received a more subdued B+ CinemaScore, compared to an A for the first.

Families – which played a key role in the surprise hit of the first film – remains a challenging theatrical demo in the pandemic era.

wrath of the gods is the 12th installment in the DC Extended Universe and the first to be released since Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav tapped into James Gunn and James Gunn Shazam! Franchise producer Peter Safran takes charge of DC Studios and carries out a complete overhaul.

wrath of the gods also comes as the futures of the DC characters and actors introduced prior to Gunn and Safran’s takeover are at stake. Superman actor Henry Cavill, for example, will not be returning. Levi opened up about his future at Tuesday’s Hollywood premiere and opened up The Hollywood Reporter: “I am very satisfied with this film. … I hope it wasn’t my last.”

Directed by David F. Sandberg Shazam! wrath of the gods based on a screenplay by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan.

Shazam 2The villains of are the Daughters of Atlas, a trio of ancient goddesses who have come to earth to reclaim the magical powers stolen from them by the sorcerer Shazam (Djimon Hounsou). Of course, it’s up to Billy Batson, aka Shazam (Asher Angel/Zachary Levi), along with his extended family/colleague superheroes Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer/Adam Brody), Eugene (Ian Chen/Ross Butler), Darla (Faithe Herman/Meagan Good ), Pedro (Jovan Armand/DJ Cotrona) and Mary (Grace Caroline Currey, who plays both the normal and superhero versions of her character with her hair changed).

The goddesses Hespera, Calypso and Anthea are played by Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu in their first film since their breakthrough role in Spielberg’s west side StoryRachel Zegler.

The numbers will be updated on Sunday.