If you saw the first unofficial image of Zachary Levi filming Shazam! you understand why some fans may have been disappointed by it. The actor will play the superpowered title hero in the upcoming film that is set to hit theaters next year.
While the film is still in production, Warner Bros. has released a slight tease ahead of the film’s big debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2018. So sit back and grab a soda, because you might need it after seeing the first official look at the film. Check it out below.
The photo first appeared in Entertainment Weekly. In it, we can see Levi chugging a soda in one hand, while holding a box of soda in the other. But why is an adult superhero drinking soda? Well that’s because Shazam is really Billy Batson, a young orphan boy who has the power to turn into a superpowered adult. And who is that boy to the right of him? Well that’s Freddie Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer), Billy Batson’s best friend and fellow orphan.
While there isn’t much more to this photo, it does offer us a much better look at the costume than the grainy cell phone camera photos that appeared online earlier this year.
And like most page-to-screen adaptations, there are a few slight alterations to the character’s design. Most notably the costume. Director David Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation) tells EW that he drew inspiration throughout the character’s appearances in comics and animated shows:
“I wanted to keep the shorter cape as a throwback to the original because that’s something that sets him apart from Superman or Batman. It makes him feel a bit more Golden Age superhero, which is the vibe I’m going for.”
But how will the younger Batson (played by Asher Angel) get these powers? Well, a mysterious Wizard (Djimon Hounsou), who has been looking for the right successor, will give him the powers he needs to become the hero that is actually an acronym of six “immortal elders”: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. So whenever Batson shouts “Shazam” he becomes that hero who has the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury.
No sight of Mark Strong as the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. But that will all obviously change whenever trailers and more photos start to appear. Hopefully we will get a good look at Comic-Con next week. But Levi certainly looks the part. The actor still has that boyish look and his new figure gives off that superhero vibe.
And according to EW, Shazam! represents the unofficial second stage of the DCEU that also includes Aquaman. So if all goes according to plan, we could see more of an entertaining and cohesive DCEU in the future. Let’s hope for the best.
Shazam! opens in theaters on April 5, 2019.
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[Source: EW]
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