Zachary Levi's Disappointment After Shazam's Lackluster Performance

In a recent turn of events, actor Zachary Levi has been reportedly feeling disillusioned following the disappointing box office results of his role as the titular character in the "Shazam!" movies. The actor, known for his performances in "Chuck" and as the voice of Flynn Rider in Disney's "Tangled," had high hopes for his superhero portrayal, aiming to achieve superstardom similar to that of Chris Evans or Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Sources familiar with the actor's sentiments suggest that Levi believed his role in "Shazam!" would catapult him to the forefront of leading man status in Hollywood. According to an insider quoted by the Hollywood Reporter, "When he was cast as Shazam, it was literally his dream. He thought this was his ticket to being as big as The Rock or Chris Evans. But it didn't happen for him, and he's bitter about that."

The first installment of "Shazam!" premiered in 2019 and was a moderate success, grossing $367 million globally and achieving an impressive 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the sequel, "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," released in 2023, was met with a far less favorable reception, managing to earn only $134 million at the box office and garnering a disheartening 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This sequel joins the ranks of other underperforming DC Extended Universe films, such as "Wonder Woman 1984" and "The Suicide Squad," which struggled during the pandemic's impact on cinema.

Adding to the headlines surrounding Levi, he recently made waves by attending a Donald Trump rally in Michigan, where he spoke on political issues alongside figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. This move prompted backlash from fans, especially after he candidly remarked that supporting Trump could be "career suicide" in Hollywood's liberal environment.

Despite his aspirations, Levi's post-"Shazam!" career has seen less momentum, with his latest project, "Harold and the Purple Crayon," failing to resonate with audiences and critics alike, marking it as another box office disappointment.

As fans and industry observers weigh in, the question remains: Is it too late for Levi to capitalize on his superhero fame, or has he missed the opportunity to ascend to the heights he once envisioned? Do you believe "Shazam!" should have paved the way for Levi's stardom? Share your thoughts!