Warner Bros. and DC have reportedly set an official release date of April 5th, 2019 forShazam!TheDCEUhas gone through numerous scheduling changes recently, and it was unclear whether the movie would keep that original spot or be moved down. April is kind of an unusual time for big blockbuster movies to come out, but asCaptain America: The Winter Soldierproved in 2014, that doesn’t mean they can’t gain success in that release slot. However,Shazam!is a lesser-known property and an April release date may be perfect since it won’t have as much competition, getting in right before the MCU’sAvengers 4.
Zachary Levi recently revealed that he has prepared to start trainingfor the role and also talked about when he first realized that he would have to get in superhero shape. He says it will take him as long as necessary to get there for the role, and also that he plans to stay in shape after production has wrapped, which may mean that there have been talks of a sequel or possibly meeting up withBlack Adam. Levi was recently cast as Shazam, while Disney Channel star Asher Angel stars as Billy Batson, the boy who turns into the superhero. Mark Strong is also rumored to portray the movie’s antagonist Dr. Sivana. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was originally attached to the movie as Black Adam, but will reportedly star in a solo spin-off instead.
Zachary Levi also revealed thatShazam!will be similar to Tom Hanks' 80s classicBig, in that we will see a kid grow up and learn toutilize superpowerswhile tugging at the heartstrings. The movie will see a young boy use magic words to turn into the adult superhero Shazam, so theBigcomparison works out pretty well if one thinks about it. The added superpowers will add an interesting spin on the theme of the 80s classic and Levi remains confident that they’ll be able to pull it off.
Each letter inShazamcorresponds with one of the magical abilitiesBilly Batsoninherited from various Greek and Roman characters: S for the Wisdom of Solomon; H for the Strength of Hercules; A for the Stamina of Atlas; Z for the Power of Zeus; A for the Courage of Achilles, and M for the Speed of Mercury. Whenever Billy Baston says the word “Shazam!,” a magical lightning bolt strikes him, and he becomes the adultShazam!, though he still has a child’s intellect and personality.
Shazam!is officially all set to hit theaters on April 5th, 2019 after months of speculation. The movie will be will be the first movie released from Warner Bros. and DC Films following December of 2018’sAquaman.Shazam!isdirected by David F. Sandberg(Lights Out,Annabelle: Creation). This is exciting news for DC andShazam!fans, and more news is expected to drop in the next few weeks. Until then, you may check out the release date courtesy ofThe Hollywood Reporter.
