After rumors upon rumors of people Warner Bros. were apparently considering in the lead role of Shazam! – including the likes of John Cena at one point, it’s now being reported that Zachary Levi has signed on as the character – a move that most probably weren’t expecting.
According to THR:
Zachary Levi is going to be Earth’s mightiest mortal. The actor will star in the DC comic book adaptation Shazam!, which follows a boy named Billy Batson, who can transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word “Shazam!” The name is an acronym of the ancient world gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury, from which the big Batson derives his heroic attributes when in adult form.
David F. Sandberg will direct, and he also posted this interesting photo on his Instagram earlier today:
The film’s synopsis: Billy Batson, a youth who works as a radio news reporter is chosen to be a champion of good by the wizard Shazam. Whenever Billy speaks the wizard’s name, he is instantly struck by a magic lightning bolt that transforms him into an adult superhero empowered with the abilities of six mythical figures.
Shazam! is scheduled for release on April 5th, 2019.
What do you think of the casting choice? Do you think Zachary Levi is a good fit for the role? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments!