Since it was announced that DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. are moving ahead with Shazam!, to be directed by Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation’s David F. Sandberg, there’s been some thought as to how the horror director will approach the DC Extended Universe film. He recently spoke to The Toronto Sun on his plans for Shazam!, revealing the film will be one of the most lighthearted DC movies the studio puts out.
Shazam! will tell the story of Billy Batson, a young kid who gains magical powers from a dying wizard. By speaking the word “Shazam”, Billy transforms into a full grown adult and gifted extraordinary powers and abilities by the old gods. Formerly known in the comics as Captain Marvel, his name was officially changed to Shazam in DC’s The New 52 to avoid further legal disputes and confusion with Marvel Comics.
Sandberg said the child-like nature of Billy is what drew him most to the film, stating that: “The big attraction for me with that character is the fact that every kid dreams of being Superman, right? I mean I certainly did, and Billy Batson is a kid that gets that chance. He gets to become the superhero. So it’ll be big with superpowers in a way. In terms of what people can expect, I think this will be one of the more fun or lighthearted movies so far in the DC universe. It certainly will be a departure.”
Dwayne Johnson has been cast as Shazam’s nemesis, Black Adam, but will not be appearing in Shazam!. Instead, Johnston will portray the character in his own Black Adam solo film, presumably leading to a crossover at a later date.
What do you think of Sandberg’s vision? Are you looking forward to Shazam! being a little lighter than the other DC films so far? Let us know below…
Originally published August 3, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
