Zachary Levi is all set to star in DC comic book adaptation Shazam, to be directed by David F. Sandberg for New Line.
Zachary Levi, popular for his role in NBC’s Chuck and tiny role in Marvel’s Thor films will be world’s mightiest mortal. Levi also plays the role of Fandral in Marvel’s upcoming film Thor: Ragnarok. The actor was recently seen in NBC’s Heroes Reborn and Telenovela, the network’s Eva Longoria comedy.
Shazam narrates the story of a young boy named Billy Batson, who can transform himself into an adult superhero by just uttering “Shazam,” the magic word. This character was first created in the late 1930s. It was only in 1970s that the DC banner took over the character.
The name is derived from the names of the ancient world gods and historical figures – Solomon (S), Hercules (H), Atlas (A), Zeus (Z), Achilles (A) and Mercury (M). Shazam acquires his heroic attributes from these characters while in adult form.
The script for the film is written by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke. The character is expected to blend itself into the larger DC Universe that already has superheroes Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman, and Cyborg. Peter Safran, who produced Annabelle: Creation will be reuniting with Sandberg for Shazam. Safran will also be producing DC’s Aquaman for Warner Bros.
Sandberg is seen in high esteem by the Newline studio after having showcased his prowess in his first ever feature Lights Out in 2016, and August 2017 release Annabelle: Creation. The horror prequel Annabelle, which belongs to The Conjuring universe was made with a budget of $15 million and has so far earned a whopping $303 million worldwide.
The movie will be a big career leap for Zachary Levi who is yet to make his mark as a solo hero. Other actors who were earlier rumored to be considered for a role in Shazam includes John Cena, Billy Magnussen, Zane Holtz, Derek Theler, and Jake McDorman.
The New Line studio is also working on a movie on Black Adam, a frequent Shazam villain. The role will be played by Dwayne Johnson. However, Johnson will not be part of Shazam even though Black Adam isone of Marvel’s most popular opponents. Shazam is expected to hit the theaters in April 2019.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
