Early tracking estimates for Shazam! Fury of the Gods suggest the superhero movie is gearing up for a soft debut in the US. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Zachary Levi-starring movie will make between $35 million and $40 million for its first weekend of March 17-19.

　　This data comes from research firm NRG. THR points out that NRG, as well as studios themselves, have been conservative with their estimates in recent times, due in part to the pandemic's impact on the theatrical business.

　　For comparison, 2019's Shazam earned $53.5 million over its opening weekend in the US. It went on to bank $140.5 million in the US and $225.6 million from international markets for a total of $366 million globally.

　　The sequel brings back Levi and Asher Angel, alongside a trio of big-name additions, including Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler. Fury of the Gods was completed before James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-heads of DC Studios.

　　In other news, Levi recently made headlines over his comments about COVID-19 vaccine-maker Pfizer, prompting a response from Gunn.