At long last, the SHAZAM film casts the greater half of its titular hero. Zachary Levi is officially locked in to play the role of Earth’s Mightiest Mortal, in the 2019 movie, directed by David F. Sandberg. This follows speculation regarding a casting call for people to play Billy Batson’s friends.
What’s more, there’s the additional speculation of Freddy Freeman having a role in the movie. Then there’s Mary Marvel, whose role, or lack thereof, hasn’t been discussed much, if at all. Meanwhile, the younger half of the title role has yet to be cast. The movie still has yet to find an actor worthy to receive the power of SHAZAM. Billy Batson is kind of an important part of the equation, after all.
With the casting of Levi secured, fans know what to expect in terms of future movies. While not set to appear in this first outing, Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam will clash with Levi’s SHAZAM in the future. And Levi’s already begun training for the part.
Anyone who’s going to take on The Rock had better be at least somewhat imposing. Billy Batson may be a kid, but he’s a kid with power comparable to Superman. And all of that is setting aside how imposing the character of Black Adam is, even without being played by a wrestler.
Levi is actually an MCU alumni, playing one of The Warriors Three in Marvel’s Thor films. Will this clash with future appearances of his character?
Jaimie Alexander, known for playing Lady Sif, was up for the title role in Wonder Woman. Though her involvement with Marvel wasn’t the only reason for her not getting the part, it was a factor. Especially considering the similarities between the characters.
Though it’s just as likely there won’t be a fourth Thor film, just as there don’t seem to be any plans for 4th Captain America or Iron Man movies. Marvel does seem content with stopping all but the actual Avengers films at trilogies.
SHAZAM storms into theaters, April 2019.