Movie review
March 15, 2023 · 130 min · PG-13
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Billy Batson and his foster siblings gain superpowers by saying “Shazam!” and must stop the three Daughters of Atlas from using a magic staff to threaten the world. The story focuses on the teens growing up, drifting apart as a family, and learning responsibility while fighting ancient-powered villains in a mix of comedy and action. A short comedic scene shows one foster brother blurting out that he is gay during a crisis, and writers described making this element more open as an important choice.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Woke representation / casting
Foster family diversity fits an urban Philadelphia setting naturally. Pedro’s gay reveal is a short, visible comedic beat. Two goddess roles use Asian and Latina actresses in a Greek-myth story, creating a noticeable mismatch.
Woke political dialogue
No activist speeches, institutional critiques, or identity lectures appear in the script.
Identity-driven story themes
One minor gay coming-out gag and casual family acceptance add a visible LGBTQ element that writers called important. The core story stays on family growth and heroism without turning into identity politics.
Western institutional / cultural critique
No modern attacks on masculinity, gender roles, capitalism, or Western institutions; conflict stays mythological and personal.
Woke character or canon changes
Pedro’s sexuality receives clearer confirmation than in the prior film. Goddesses receive new powers and diverse casting not strictly tied to ancient Greek sources. Core Shazam lore remains unchanged.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Right-leaning sites and viewers complained about the forced-feeling gay scene and illogical goddess casting as diversity over story logic. Backlash existed but stayed moderate and mixed with other quality complaints.
Creator track record context
Key team members carry very low activism records overall. One writer pushed the gay portrayal as meaningful, but the group’s body of work remains standard superhero entertainment.
Production
