
David Sandberg reveals he got death threats from fans for Shazam Fury of the Gods, will never make another IP-based film
In an interview with GamesRadar, Sandberg candidly discussed his experience working on the Shazam! sequel and how it has now prevented him from seeking out IP-based projects. The director, known for films like Lights Out, said, 'Fans can get very, very crazy and very angry with you. You can get, like, death threats and everything. So, after Shazam 2, I was like, 'I never wanna do another IP-based movie because it's just not worth it'.'
Shazam! Fury of the Gods was a sequel to the 2019 DC hit Shazam! Starring Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Grace Caroline Currey, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rachel Zegler, Adam Brody, Ross Butler, Meagan Good, Lucy Liu, Djimon Hounsou, and Helen Mirren, the film focused on the titular superhero's fight against the Daughters of Atlas.
The film was a critical and commercial failure. It received unfavourable reviews and holds an adverse 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. At the box office, it grossed only $134 million worldwide, way below its estimated break-even point.
After the sour experience with Shazam, director Sandberg landed on the script of his upcoming movie Until Dawn, which he believes to be a "so good" script to pass.
Based on a video game of the same name, the movie stars actors Ella Rubin and Michael Cimino in the lead roles. It is currently in the theatres.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight: Release date, plot, characters and more
The Dark Knight is returning to the world of LEGO with a brand new game. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight was announced live on Gamescom Opening Night, and fans are already excited about it. The game is created by TT Games, who are the creators of everyone's favorite games like Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight drops in 2026.(X/@LEGODCGame) All about LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight As per the official Lego Batman page, 'LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a brand-new open world action-adventure videogame that invites players to embark on Bruce Wayne's epic journey to become the hero of Gotham City, inspired by decades of Batman films, television, comic books, and games, and jam-packed with Batman nostalgia, DC lore, and TT Games' signature brand of fun-filled LEGO humor.' Players will explore the LEGO Batman game for the first time in fully open-world Gotham City. You can drive the Batmobile, complete the mission in different districts, and interact with heroes and villains. The combat system is inspired by the Batman Arkham series, which makes the game a perfect blend of LEGO fun and action-packed gameplay. Also read: Joaquin Phoenix almost played Joker in The Dark Knight instead of Heath Ledger; says he 'wasn't ready' A star-studded cast The game's story begins with a young Bruce Wayne training a new League of Shadows. Along the way, he is joined by allies like Jim Gordon, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul. Players will also face Gotham's most iconic villains, including The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Ra's al Ghul, and Bane, who is voiced by actor Matt Berry. Playable characters LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will feature seven playable characters, including Batman, Jim Gordon, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul. Each character is equipped with unique skills, combos, and gadgets – like Batman's Batclaw, Jim Gordon's foam sprayer, Robin's line launcher, and Catwoman's whip. DC's endorsement Jim Lee, DC's President and Chief Creative Officer, praised the project in an official statement and said, 'This game brings together nearly every facet of Batman's legacy, letting you experience the full range of what makes Batman iconic. TT Games has crafted a love letter to the world of Batman.' Key features Open-world Gotham to explore freely. Batmobile driving across the city. Arkham-style combat with Lego humor. Large cast of playable heroes and villains. Storyline connecting Batman's past, allies, and rogues' gallery. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will be available on: Nintendo Switch 2 PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) PlayStation 5 Xbox Series X/S Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight release date An exact release date has not yet been confirmed, but the game is expected to launch in 2026. FAQs: Q1: Who is developing the game? TT Games, the studio famous for Lego Star Wars and other Lego titles. Q2: Will it feature Batman's allies? Yes, characters like Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Catwoman are included. Q3: Is this game connected to the Arkham series? Not directly, but the combat system is inspired by the Arkham games.


Hans India
13 hours ago
- Hans India
Davanagere DC bans DJs for Ganesh immersion, Eid processions
Davanagere: District administration has denied permission for DJs during Ganesh immersion and Eid Milad processions this year. Deputy Commissioner Dr. G.M. Gangadharaswamy issued strict instructions, stressing cultural performances instead of loud DJ music. Chairing a peace meeting at the Tungabhadra Hall in the DC's office, the commissioner said Ganesh idols can be installed only for 21 days. The decision follows last year's stone-pelting incident during a Ganesh procession, prompting stricter measures this year. Both processions must adhere to police-prepared route maps, he added. The DC cautioned that alcohol consumption or unruly behavior during religious processions will not be tolerated. More than 3,000 CCTV cameras are monitoring sensitive locations, and strict action will be taken against those spreading misinformation on social media. He further warned that individuals inciting communal clashes will face externment orders. Already, 12 of the 27 identified troublemakers have been externed from the district, while others remain under close watch. Expressing displeasure during the meeting, Dr. Gangadharaswamy reprimanded participants attempting to provoke: 'Are you here to incite or to cooperate? Sit down.' He reminded that last year's unrest necessitates strict vigilance this time. The DC reiterated that DJs are completely banned during Ganesh and Eid Milad processions. Instead, organizers have been advised to hire traditional cultural troupes like dollu and kamsale, supporting local artists. 'In earlier days, we heard devotional songs and Rajkumar's classics during festivals. Now it is being replaced with provocative DJ tracks like 'Hodi Maga,' which is unacceptable,' he remarked. He emphasized that religious celebrations should remain peaceful, devotional, and culturally enriching rather than being marred by loud music or clashes.


Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
From The Rock to John Cena: Ranking WWE's biggest wrestlers-turned-actors
A major part of being in WWE, and of the job of a professional wrestler, is the ability to act. One of the biggest names of the modern era, John Cena, has built a 25-year career facing opponents who may have been more athletic or had a broader arsenal of moves. What kept him at the top, however, was his ability to cut promos, his commanding mic skills, and, for lack of a better word, his acting. Since acting is such an integral part of their craft, many wrestlers transition comfortably into Hollywood when the opportunity arises. The Hollywood Reporter has now released a list ranking the best wrestlers who made that leap. 1. Dave Bautista 'The Animal' Dave Bautista perfectly fit the bill when Hollywood needed a towering, larger-than-life figure who could bring both comedic relief and star power. His portrayal of Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy wasn't just convincing, it was outstanding. While most wrestlers end up typecast in roles that mirror their size and wrestling personas, Bautista had other plans. He distanced himself from WWE appearances and even slimmed down to a leaner physique to break away from his past image. With roles in films like Knock at the Cabin (2023), The Killer's Game (2024), and The Last Showgirl (2024), Bautista has proven his range and depth as an actor. 2. The Rock By far the biggest name on this list, both in terms of body of work and global fame, is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. For over a decade, he has been an almost omnipresent force in Hollywood, headlining blockbusters and starring in one of the most influential franchises of all time, The Fast and the Furious saga. Beyond his countless cameos and TV ventures, Johnson cemented himself as the go-to star when filmmakers needed a larger-than-life figure who could toss villains around and follow it up with a perfectly timed quip. Long before Hollywood, WWE fans knew him as a natural showman with unmatched charisma and mic skills—talents that seamlessly translated to the big screen. Now, Johnson is set to take on what may be his most nuanced and challenging role yet in The Smashing Machine. 3. John Cena Very few men have dared to go toe-to-toe with John Cena in a verbal battle, and even fewer have walked away unscathed. After establishing himself as the 'face' of WWE, the move to Hollywood seemed like the natural next step, though the transition wasn't seamless. It wasn't until his scene-stealing role in Amy Schumer's Trainwreck that audiences began to see Cena's true acting potential. Since then, despite a few bumps along the way, he has built an impressive filmography by playing to his strengths. Today, John Cena has firmly carved his space in Hollywood, most notably as DC's Peacemaker, with the hit show's second season set to premiere on August 28. 4. 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper One of the biggest names in the wrestling world, Roddy Piper was unapologetically himself in the ring, and he carried that same energy into his acting career. His cult-classic film They Live, directed by John Carpenter, wasn't just a hit but a cultural moment that showcased Piper's acting chops. Though he didn't appear in many projects, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper still left an indelible mark. 5. Adam Copeland Equipped with one of the greatest entrances in WWE history, Adam 'Edge' Copeland was a superstar from day one. He embodied the ultimate cool, dangerous bad guy—the kind your parents warned you about. The actor's roles in Vikings and Haven showcased his acting potential. Unlike Dave Bautista, however, Edge chose a different path, making a triumphant return to WWE after a nine-year hiatus 6. Kevin Nash As part of the NWO (New World Order), Kevin Nash was one of the toughest men to deal with during his WWE days, making several high-profile returns—one of which even brought CM Punk to his knees. Casting Nash in Hollywood poses a unique challenge, and it's not just about his towering height; assigning serious roles to someone of his stature can be tricky. Yet Nash pulled it off, delivering a memorable performance as Tarzan in the Magic Mike series. 7. Hulk Hogan Hulk Hogan deserves credit for paving the way for future wrestlers. He turned wrestling into a global attraction and made it mainstream, which naturally led the WWE's biggest name to make frequent trips to Hollywood. However, his acting chops didn't quite translate on screen. Apart from a few notable cameos, none of Hogan's films achieved critical or commercial success. Still, even if he couldn't replicate his WWE dominance, Hogan managed to crack open Hollywood's armor. 8. Paul Wight Another wrestler who carried both the advantages and challenges of his massive stature is Paul 'Big Show' Wight. A celebrated in-ring performer with a storied WWE career, Wight found it difficult to carve out space in Hollywood. Most of his on-screen appearances came in comical roles. Still, credit to Wight for making the effort to explore the world beyond the ring. 9. Jesse Ventura In this case, the Hollywood career may well rival—or even surpass—the wrestling one. Jesse 'The Body' Ventura was never the biggest name in WWE, but he managed to land numerous cameos, guest spots, and voiceover roles. His most notable appearance was in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Predator. 10. Andre the Giant Even for those unfamiliar with his wrestling legacy, it's easy to see why casting André the Giant posed challenges. He spoke broken English in real life and stood at an astonishing 7'4″. Yet despite these hurdles, his portrayal of the gentle giant in the iconic The Princess Bride is still loved by audiences all over the world.