Helen Mirren Joins the ‘Shazam!’ Sequel

The world of the DCEU is about to get a whole lot more Royal. 

Dame Helen Mirren has officially signed on to play the villain Hespera, daughter of Atlas, in Shazam: Fury of the Gods, the sequel to the 2019 film Shazam! 

Mirren brings major bonafides to the film, which could hopefully result in the DCEU getting a fantastic villain, as that’s something they’ve (like other superhero movies) struggled with up to this point. 

The original Shazam! was a surprise hit at a time when the DCEU needed it, adding to Wonder Woman and Aquaman as successful origin stories that shifted the studio’s focus away from the template they had established beforehand that wasn’t working. 

Mirren is, of course, an Oscar winner for her performance in the 2006 film The Queen, as well as the recipient of a BAFTA, a Tony, an Olivier Award, and several Emmys and SAG Awards. She’s as decorated a star as you can get, and she’s proven before that she also loves to take on a fun blockbuster role, evidenced by her appearances in the RED and Fast and Furious franchises. 

Mirren joins Zachary Levi in the film, who will be reprising his total role, along with the recently announced Rachel Zegler. The film will also see the return of director David F. Sandberg and writer Henry Gayden. It is currently set for a June 2nd, 2023 release date.