by George Bate for @DCMotherbox
Academy Award winner Helen Mirren has joined the cast of Shazam: Fury of the Gods, the sequel to David F. Sanberg’s 2019 film.
Mirren will play the villain Hespera, who is described as the daughter of Atlas. Hespera doesn’t appear to be based on any DC Comics character in particular, at least based on her name, but Atlas has appeared in various projects, including Jack Kirby’s run in the mid-1970s.
This isn’t Mirren’s first foray into blockbuster territory. In addition to her illustrious career, the Oscar winner has played roles in the Fast and Furious and Red franchises.
Mirren is an impressive addition to the growing cast of the Shazam sequel. She joins West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler, whose character is still being kept secret.
Shazam: Fury of the Gods sees the return of Zachary Levi and Asher Angel sharing double duties as the titular superhero. David F. Sanberg will continue his work in the director’s seat following the strong positive critical and fan reception to the first film in the franchise.
Stay tuned for more coverage of Shazam: Fury of the Gods ahead of its release in June 2022.
Images courtesy of Warner Bros, The Telegraph, and DC