Warner Bros. shares a new footage of the Shazam!, showing Zachary Levi dressed as the titular character for the first time.
BTS Footage Shows Key Characters
The behind-the-scenes footage was shown during CinemaCon, which kicked off on April 23 and set to last until April 26.
According to JoBlo, the video also presents Mark Strong as Dr. Sivana who showcases his power that is described as similar to "force push" from Star Wars. Billy Batson, played by Asher Angel, also appears on the footage.
The character shouts the catchphrase "Shazam!," which then turns him into Levi. Some action scenes are also shown, including a falling truck.
A previous leak revealed Levi's first look in Shazam costume, however, fans did not like it at all. The actor defended the costume, saying that he hopes people would at least give them a "fair shake."
Shazam Retains Billy Batson's Mind
Levi himself compared it to Big wherein a little boy wished to be big. His wish was granted and he turned into an adult overnight, although he retained his young mind.
"The character of Shazam has a very rich history," David F. Sandberg, director of Shazam! and Annabelle: Creation, told the audience.
Levi added that it is like the movie Big but with superpowers. It could well be similar to Shazam writers' take on the superhero: a little boy in a superhero's body, which is first of the three interpretations of the character. The second interpretation is that Shazam is a different entity and the third one indicates that Batson's mind is given Solomon's wisdom while in a body of a superhero.
Shazam And DCEU Movies Release Date
In addition to Levi, Angel, and Strong, Shazam! also stars Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman, who is known in the comics as Captain Marvel Jr., Grace Fulton as Mary Marvel, and Ron Cephas Jones as Shazam. Other confirmed cast includes Marta Milans, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Cooper Andrews, Caroline Palmer, and Andi Osho.
Henry Gayden and David Lemke wrote the script. Shazam! is being produced by Warner Bros., DC Entertainment, and New Line Cinema.
Shazam! is a part of the DC Extended Universe that includes the movies Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, and Justice League.
It is currently slated for an April 5, 2019 release date, a few months following the premiere of Jason Momoa's Aquaman on Dec. 21, 2018. The DCEU's expansion plan further includes Wonder Woman 2 on Nov. 1, 2019, Cyborg, and Green Lantern Corps. in 2020.
