You are here:

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2023

PG-13

Director

David F. Sandberg

Runtime

130 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Shazam! Fury of the Gods succeeds as an ensemble piece by replacing the singular hero cliché with a diverse, multi-ethnic foster family. This composition provides a strong foundation for racial and ethnic representation within the superhero genre. The film also makes strides in gender representation by elevating female characters to positions of significant mythological power and leadership. This disrupts traditional male-centric hierarchies through the presence of the Daughters of Atlas and Mary Batson. However, the narrative remains tethered to traditional social structures and lacks specific engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or disability-focused storytelling. It prioritizes a classic moral framework over systemic deconstruction.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Shazam! Fury of the Gods have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters or storylines focused on non-cisgender identities. It maintains a neutral stance on heterosexual relationships without providing any specific LGBTQ+ subtext.

How does Shazam! Fury of the Gods portray gender?

Good

The film highlights female leadership through the powerful Daughters of Atlas and Mary Batson's roles. This shifts the focus from a male-dominated archetype to a more distributed model of power.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shazam! Fury of the Gods?

Good

A multi-ethnic foster family, including Latino and Black characters, provides a diverse cast. This structure moves away from the monolithic white hero cliché common in the genre.

How does Shazam! Fury of the Gods represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story centers on a traditional moral framework with stable parental authority and a nurturing foster mother. It focuses on mythological threats rather than critiquing Western social institutions.

Does Shazam! Fury of the Gods include disability representation?

Fair

No characters have storylines defined by specific disabilities. However, the siblings' varied ways of processing power suggest a move toward more nuanced, neurodivergent social dynamics.

Present on Screen

  • The multi-ethnic foster family provides meaningful racial and ethnic representation.
  • Strong female leadership is showcased through the Daughters of Atlas and Mary Batson.
  • The ensemble-driven plot subverts the traditional singular male hero archetype.

Limited or Absent

  • The film lacks specific LGBTQ+ character arcs or queer-coded subtext.
  • The narrative adheres to traditional social structures rather than deconstructing them.
  • There is a lack of explicit representation regarding visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who transform into superheroes by saying "Shazam!", are forced to get back into action and fight the Daughters of Atlas, who they must stop from using a weapon that could destroy the world.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.