After a decent period of speculation, Grace Fulton is confirmed for the role of Mary Bromfield, AKA Mary Marvel. This means a great many things for the DCEU. Chief among them is that the SHAZAM project is, in fact, moving forward as planned.
This is exciting casting news, though not at all unexpected. Fulton fits the traditional look and age range of the role. And throughout the SHAZAM mythos, there are no other key characters of her type. However, it isn’t entirely known whether Mary will take up her heroic alter ego in the course of the film or if she’ll be reserved to supporting cast this time; perhaps a possibility to shine in a sequel? Fulton isn’t able to share those details, of course. But it’s clear she’s quite excited for the role.
This accompanies other major news revolving around the film, which has entered into production. Dwayne Johnson, set to take on the role of Black Adam in a follow-up movie, is executive producing the film. Johnson won’t be joining the film on-camera, at least not that audiences are aware. Of course, Marvel and DC enjoy keeping secrets for post-credits scenes. There have been rumblings that his character will somehow be attached to the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel. But some fans are content knowing the actor is going to be connected to SHAZAM, even if only behind the scenes.
The film has a lot of other major elements in place, such as Mark Strong returning to DC, this time in a different villainous role than his last attempt. Strong is set to take on the New52 iteration of Shazam’s arch nemesis, Dr. Sivana. He’s joined by several other actors, including Zachary Levi as the title character and Asher Angel as his mortal half. SHAZAM! opens in theaters, April 5, 2019.