The latest DC Comics adaptation, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, has underperformed at the box office and received negative reviews from critics. As a result, insiders are scrambling to determine what caused the film to flop. Actor Zachary Levi, who stars in the movie, believes that poor marketing is partly to blame. However, insiders have pointed the finger at Dwayne Johnson, a key player in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), despite not even appearing in the film.
Sources who spoke to The Wrap claim that Johnson’s attitude towards his own DCEU character was a factor in the failures of both Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Here’s why.
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Johnson’s Overbearing Ego
According to insiders, Johnson’s massive ego and self-absorption had a detrimental effect on the development of the DCEU. He was reportedly insistent on promoting his own character, Black Adam, at the expense of the franchise as a whole. This resulted in creative conflicts with the studio and the sidelining of other beloved DC characters.
In addition, Johnson’s focus on his personal brand and social media presence meant that he wasn’t as involved in the development of Black Adam as he should have been. Insiders claim that he neglected to collaborate with other actors and filmmakers, leading to a disjointed and unsatisfactory final product.
The Fallout
The fallout of Johnson’s ego-driven behavior was twofold. Firstly, his insistence on prioritizing Black Adam over other DC characters led to the character’s solo movie being delayed repeatedly, which in turn caused scheduling conflicts and further production delays for other films in the franchise.
Secondly, his lack of involvement in the development of Black Adam meant that he wasn’t able to provide crucial guidance and input on the film. This resulted in a subpar movie that failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Moving Forward
It’s clear that Johnson’s ego had a significant impact on the DCEU’s recent failures. However, it’s also important to note that he’s not the sole reason for the franchise’s decline. In order for the DCEU to succeed, all parties involved must be willing to collaborate and put the success of the franchise above their own egos.
As for Johnson, he may need to reevaluate his priorities and take a step back from promoting his own brand in order to focus on creating quality content for the DCEU. Only time will tell if he’s able to do so and help the franchise recover from its recent missteps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that Dwayne Johnson’s ego played a significant role in the failures of both Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. If the DCEU is to recover, all parties involved must learn from these mistakes and work together towards a common goal.