Actor Zachary Levi, who stars in the DC Comics superhero movie “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” has shared a social media post that accuses fellow actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of sabotaging the film’s marketing efforts. The post, which Levi shared on his Instagram Story, cites an article from The Wrap that claims Johnson vetoed a post-credits scene featuring Levi’s character, Shazam, being recruited into the Justice Society of America. According to the article, Johnson wanted his character, Black Adam, to meet Superman, played by Henry Cavill, instead.

Levi’s caption for the repost was “The truth will set you free,” although representatives for both Johnson and Levi have not commented on the allegations. The movie’s performance has been disappointing, with negative reviews and a lackluster box office turnout since its release on March 17. It earned just $30.5 million in its opening weekend at the US box office, far below the first film’s domestic opening in 2019. The movie cost $110 million to make, and Warner Bros. spent another $100 million on marketing.

Levi and the film’s director, David F Sandberg, have expressed disappointment with the movie’s performance. Levi suggested that the marketing campaign was the biggest issue, saying, “This is a perfect family movie, and yet a lot of families aren’t aware of that. Which is just a shame.” Sandberg tweeted that he was “definitely done with superheroes for now” after six years of working on “Shazam!”.

Despite negative reviews, the film’s star, Rachel Zegler, defended the sequel against “senselessly mean” criticisms. In a two-star review for The Independent, Clarisse Loughrey described “Fury of the Gods” as “a film that isn’t without promise, but feels far too messy and corporatized to have any real affection for.” Zegler had a more candid response when asked why she took on a role in the DC superhero franchise, tweeting, “Money, baby! Hahaha, no. It was a dream come true, and I’ll always be so grateful for the opportunity.”

Despite the disappointing performance of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” fans of the DC Comics franchise can look forward to upcoming releases, including “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” and “The Flash” starring Ezra Miller.

In the wake of the controversy, some fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. Some have criticized Johnson for his alleged actions, while others have questioned whether the allegations are true. Some fans have also suggested that the movie’s poor performance may be due to factors beyond marketing, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and competition from other films.

Regardless of the reasons for the movie’s disappointing performance, it serves as a reminder that even the most highly anticipated films can fail to meet expectations. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, studios and filmmakers must adapt to changing audience tastes and find new ways to promote and distribute their work. Only time will tell whether “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” will find a second life on streaming or home video, or whether it will be remembered as a disappointing entry in the DC Comics franchise.

The fate of Florida’s film and entertainment office is under debate as lawmakers consider eliminating the state’s business-recruitment agency and a series of economic-development programs. House Speaker Paul Renner’s priority bill (HB 5) seeks to close the doors on the business-recruitment agency Enterprise Florida, a move that has raised concerns among lawmakers about the Office of Film and Entertainment’s future.

The House Commerce Committee voted 16-3 to move forward with the bill, which would repeal 25 programs and incentives with low returns on investments. Enterprise Florida’s duties would be moved to the Department of Economic Opportunity, leaving the future of the Office of Film and Entertainment uncertain.

Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, expressed concern that the office’s repeal could affect Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts. “FSU has an enormously successful, one of the best film schools in the country. We generate a lot of talent from that school,” Tant said. “And furthermore, there are people here, who live here, who were just in the famous movie ‘Where the Crawdads Sing,’ and as well as ‘Bloodline,’ that was done in Florida under all of this. So, these opportunities for us in Florida generate both jobs and commerce.”

Tiffany Esposito, R-Fort Myers, the bill’s sponsor, said programs and incentives targeted for repeal have low returns on investments. However, discussions are ongoing about the fate of the Office of Film and Entertainment, and whether it can be moved over to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

The Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research listed six incentives and investments, from among 29 offered by the state, that provided more than a $1 return for each $1 spent. The Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption program returned 49 cents for each $1 invested, while the Entertainment Industry Financial Incentives Program tax credits drew 7 cents per $1.

Rep. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, argued that lawmakers should consider more than just the return on investment. Many incentive programs provide “significant benefits” through capital investments, wages, and jobs, she said.

Esposito said the state Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of economists, is expected to estimate the fiscal impact of the proposed changes before the bill goes to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill will need to clear the Ways & Means Committee before going to the Appropriations Committee.

The proposal would allow the tourist-marketing agency Visit Florida and the Florida Sports Foundation to enter agreements to continue operations under the guidance of the Department of Economic Opportunity. A separate measure also moving in the House seeks to shift programs within Space Florida to the Department of Economic Opportunity and to give the governor more control over Space Florida’s board of directors.

The entertainment industry plays a significant role in Florida’s economy. According to a 2020 report by the Motion Picture Association, the film and television industry supports 92,000 jobs and generates $4.6 billion in wages in the state. Film and television production can also boost tourism and local economies.

The Office of Film and Entertainment works to support the entertainment industry in Florida, providing a range of services to filmmakers, production companies, and other industry professionals. These services include location scouting, permitting, and coordination with local officials, as well as tax incentives and other financial benefits for productions that film in Florida.

If the Office of Film and Entertainment is eliminated, it could have significant consequences for the state’s entertainment industry. Film productions may choose to film elsewhere, which would result in lost jobs and revenue for the state.

Furthermore, Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts could also be affected. The college is one of the best in the country and has produced many talented filmmakers. Without the support of the Office of Film and

The proposed elimination of Florida’s Office of Film and Entertainment has become a contentious issue as the state’s lawmakers are divided on the fate of the office. The office, which seeks to promote and grow the entertainment industry in Florida, is set to be included in a list of programs and incentives that would be repealed if House Speaker Paul Renner’s priority bill (HB 5) is passed. While the proposed repeal has gained support from some lawmakers, others have raised concerns about the potential impact of eliminating the office.

Representative Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee, was among the lawmakers who voted against the bill, citing the impact the repeal could have on Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts. The school has one of the best film programs in the country and generates a lot of talent, according to Tant. She also pointed out that there are people who live in Florida who have worked on famous movies like “Where the Crawdads Sing” and “Bloodline,” both of which were shot in Florida.

Tant’s concerns were echoed by other lawmakers who believe that the elimination of the office could hurt Florida’s economy. Rep. Kristen Arrington, a Democrat from Kissimmee, argued that lawmakers should consider more than just the return on investment when evaluating incentive programs as many of them provide significant benefits through capital investments, wages, and jobs.

The proposed repeal is part of a larger effort to close the doors on the state’s business-recruitment agency, Enterprise Florida, and eliminate several economic-development programs. HB 5 calls for the repeal of 25 programs and incentives, with Enterprise Florida’s duties being moved to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Bill sponsor Tiffany Esposito, a Republican from Fort Myers, defended the proposed repeal, arguing that the programs and incentives targeted for repeal have low returns on investment. However, she did acknowledge that discussions are ongoing about the Office of Film and Entertainment and how or if it should be moved over to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

According to a report by the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research, only six incentives and investments, out of 29 offered by the state, provided more than a $1 return for each $1 spent. The Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption program returned 49 cents for each $1 invested, while the Entertainment Industry Financial Incentives Program tax credits drew 7 cents per $1.

The fate of the Office of Film and Entertainment remains uncertain as the bill moves through the legislative process. The state Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of economists, is expected to estimate the fiscal impact of the proposed changes before the bill goes to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill will need to clear the Ways & Means Committee before going to the Appropriations Committee.

In the meantime, some lawmakers are suggesting alternative solutions that could preserve the Office of Film and Entertainment. For example, Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, has proposed a bill that would create a task force to study the economic impact of the film industry in Florida and make recommendations for how the state can support and grow the industry.

The proposed repeal of the Office of Film and Entertainment has sparked a lively debate among Florida lawmakers, with some arguing that the office is essential to the state’s economy, while others believe that it is a low-return program that should be eliminated. As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether the office will be repealed or whether lawmakers will find a way to preserve it.

Jerry Garcia is a Huntington Park, CA native and stand-up comedian on the rise. Growing up as a first-generation American in Los Angeles, he found his voice while navigating the streets. With encouragement from teachers to pursue comedy, Garcia committed himself to honing his craft and soon became a regular at various venues across LA.

In 2017 Garcia was rewarded with an HBO comedy special titled “It’s Not My Weekend.” Since then he has been touring the country, performing for diverse audiences everywhere. Garcia attributes his success to pursuing stand-up early on in life and never giving up on his dream. He has traveled around the world performing for US troops abroad as well as people closer to home and it’s clear that Jerry Garcia is someone worth watching out for. His commitment to comedy has brought him far and there’s no telling how far it will take him next.

Garcia brings something special every time he takes the stage – a unique blend of observational humor paired with authentic storytelling of his experiences growing up as an American immigrant. He fearlessly tackles issues such as race relations and gender norms often overlooked by mainstream comedians. His ability to make light of current events without losing sincerity makes any venue lucky enough to host him feel like they’re part of something special.

You won’t want to miss out on what is sure to be an unforgettable night of comedy with Jerry Garcia. Join him at El Farallon this Friday March 31st and find out why he’s become one of the most talked-about comedians in Southern California! Don’t miss your chance to laugh, be inspired, and experience great comedy at its finest.

Tickets are available now so grab yours before they’re gone! This event is sponsored by the Huntington Park Arts Council. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding their community projects, so your support will directly benefit the Huntington Park community.