The next chapter of the DC Cinematic Universe unfolds next month when ‘Justice League’ hits theaters, but some major news has just emerged regarding one of the many projects coming down the line. After months of speculation over who would land the coveted role of Shazam, we finally know who will be starring in the upcoming film from ‘Annabelle: Creation’ director David F. Sandberg and writers Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zachary Levi will play the titular character of New Line’s adaptation of the popular DC comic series. Known for his roles in ‘Chuck’, ‘Tangled’, and ‘Telanovela’, Levi has primarily worked in the realm of comedy. Although, to be playing the role of a young boy in the body of an adult superhero courtesy of a magic word, it would be only fitting that the right actor would have to have a strong comedic background. Although that’s not to say that he doesn’t have the action chops to play a superhero. In fact, Levi isn’t a completely a rookie in the genre since he has previously appeared in ‘Heroes Reborn’ on NBC and two of the three Thor films. This is the first time that he’ll be leading a superhero project though, so it’ll be interesting to see him step up as the big hero.
While this news is pretty amazing, some DC and WWE fans must be disappointed to learn that John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson won’t be going at it on the big screen like they did at two Wrestlemanias in a row. The People’s Champion has long been attached to star in his own DC movie as Black Adam, who has long been an adversary of Shazam. Then when names began to surface for the heroic alter ego of Billy Baston, the Leader of the Cenation’s was among the first ones to emerge along with Jake McDorman of the ‘Limitless’ TV series. But all that talk is moot now thanks to the casting of Levi.
With it’s star in place, it’s now pretty exciting to think about all the other areas to fall into place. Gayden and Lemke’s script is in place and filming should begin around February 2018 to hit the previously announced April 2019 release date. Other than that, everything else if fairly uncertain, but it should all come together within the next few months.
What do you think about Zachary Levi starring in ‘Shazam!’? Do you think that he’s the right fit for the role? And just how much do you think he’ll be able to bulk up to play the hero? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.
