Rachel Zegler‘s introduction to the DC Universe has been marked by excitement and surprises. Before stepping into the role of Anthea in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” Zegler was almost cast as Supergirl in “The Flash.” However, her journey took a different route, leading to her becoming part of a superhero film that faced significant challenges at the box office.
Zegler initially caught the eye of casting director Rich Delia, who considered her for the role of Kara Zor-El, known as Supergirl, during the casting stages of “The Flash.” Ultimately, the role went to Sasha Calle, who made history as the first Latina actress to portray Supergirl. Despite not landing the part, Delia recognized Zegler’s potential and recommended her for another DC project, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”
Zegler’s audition process for “Shazam!” unfolded rapidly compared to the year-long audition journey she experienced for “West Side Story.” Initially, she auditioned over Zoom, an increasingly common practice during the pandemic. Her impressive performance led to an in-person audition with director David Sandberg, followed by a chemistry test with Jack Dylan Grazer, who played Freddy Freeman.
The chemistry test proved decisive. Producer Peter Safran consulted Grazer on the best fit for the role of Anthea, and as a fan of “West Side Story,” he immediately chose Zegler. This endorsement secured her place in the DC Universe, a decision marking a pivotal moment in her acting career.
Despite the exciting casting journey, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” faced its own set of challenges. While “The Flash” bore the brunt of criticism, “Fury of the Gods” quietly emerged as one of the significant superhero films that struggled to make a box office impact. By its fourth weekend, the sequel had nearly vanished, earning a mere $1.6 million compared to the blockbuster success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” With a total global box office revenue of just $134.1 million, as reported by Forbes, the film fell short of expectations, especially considering the surprise success of its predecessor.
The DC Universe itself was in a state of transition, facing an audience that seemed less interested, compounded by weak marketing efforts. As for Rachel Zegler’s future in the DC Universe, the landscape is ever-changing under the guidance of James Gunn, leaving possibilities open for the actress in upcoming projects.
Currently, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is available for streaming on Max, allowing audiences to witness Zegler’s performance as Anthea. Her journey, marked by twists and turns, underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Hollywood, setting the stage for what might come next in her career.
