Zachary Levi Cast as DC's 'Shazam,' aka the Other Captain Marvel
"Chuck" star Zachary Levi has said the magic word and will star as "Shazam" in the DC Extended Universe movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, David F. Sandberg is directing "Shazam" for New Line, with the story following young Billy Batson, who can who can transform into an adult superhero by saying the magic word "Shazam!" Billy Batson has also gone by the name Captain Marvel, which probably won't happen in this movie since the Marvel Cinematic Universe has its own Captain Marvel in Brie Larson, and she has her own film coming out in 2019, too.
So just Shazam will be fine.
Fans are feeling just fine about the casting news:
I dig it! #Shazam! pic.twitter.com/10j1zAYJMH
— ~Oracle (@4eyedRaven) October 27, 2017
Zachary Levi aka Chuck aka Flynn Ryder will be playing Shazam?! This is awesome casting! Totally down for this. #Shazampic.twitter.com/m4BZaSQto0
— Jesabel ???????? (@JesabelRaay) October 27, 2017
Zachary Levi has been cast as the Shazam aka Captain Marvel. ⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/QBHUx6l0Ae
— TODD BONZALEZ ???? (@Rosgakori) October 27, 2017
Zachery Levi will be playing #Shazam I think this a great choice. pic.twitter.com/lCY3PiHiD2
— Nation of Nerds (@nationofnerds) October 27, 2017
Zachary Levi for SHAZAM ? Stop right there i'm in pic.twitter.com/kTDYqpRqBE
— TheoBorg (@TheoIsAllin) October 27, 2017
Zachary Levi as Capt. Marvel (sorry, it'll always be that for me) in #Shazam is inspired & brilliant casting.
— Bill "Jett" Ramey (@BATMANONFILM) October 27, 2017
Wow, it's actually happening. Ladies and gentlemen, Zachary Levi is your Shazam. Cue all the "THE REAL CAPTAIN MARVEL" posts...now. pic.twitter.com/eqfWjXbCLn
— Wakandan American (@TASKvsTheWorld) October 27, 2017
I prefer Shazam being called Shazam over Captain Marvel to be honest.
— ????Jamal-O'Lantern ???? (@reggiegotlag) October 27, 2017
I cant believe they actually got the guy from Chuck to play Shazam! Great casting! pic.twitter.com/eGxIq94Hye
— Chandler 2049 (@CinematicEX) October 27, 2017
Levi is probably still best known from NBC's "Chuck," but he also voiced Flynn Rider in Disney's "Tangled," had a role in "Heroes Reborn," and he'll return as Fandral in Marvel's "Thor: Ragnarok."
John Cena had reportedly met with the director for the role of Shazam, along with Derek Theler, Zane Holtz, Billy Magnussen, and Jake McDorman. (Sorry, guys. Next time.) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was previously cast in "Shazam" as villain Black Adam, but now instead he'll star in is own solo film. THR added that "Shazam" is being developed concurrently with The Rock's film focusing on Black Adam.
SHAZAM vs BLACK ADAM@ZacharyLevi vs @TheRockpic.twitter.com/rOnyLThOCt
— DC Comics United (@DcComicsUnited) October 27, 2017
"Shazam" -- which may actually keep an exclamation point in its title, like "Shazam!" -- is reportedly the next DCEU movie to go into production. That would put it ahead of the "Suicide Squad" sequel, plus the Batgirl movie, Flashpoint,"and all the rest (including a Deathstroke movie, which is still in the early stages).
THR says New Line is eyeing a February 2018 filming start in Toronto. According to CBR, "Shazam!" currently has a release date of April 2019. If you're keeping track, "Captain Marvel" opens March 8th, 2019, two months ahead of "Avengers 4." And "Wonder Woman 2" is set to open December 2019. It's going to be a busy year for superheroes.
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