Mark Strong may be revisiting the DC Universe, though not as Green Lantern’s nemesis Sinestro, but this time as the villain in Shazam. The Wrap is reporting that Strong is being eyed to play Doctor Sivana, one of Shazam’s most frequent foes.
In the comics, Sivana is a scientist who seeks magic to benefit his works, coming into conflict with Billy Batson as he attempts to steal his magic. In The New 52’s origin story for Shazam, written by Geoff Johns, Shazam searches for the tomb of Black Adam as he believes magic will help save his family from an unknown disease. After a blast of magic lightning hits his face and partially blinds him, he’s actually able to see magic through his blinded eye.
Strong previously starred in 2011’s Green Lantern opposite Ryan Reynolds. In that film, Strong played Hal Jordan’s mentor Sinestro, a veteran member of the Green Lantern Corps. A post-credits scene teased Sinestro’s turn to villainy after he puts on the yellow ring of fear, though with Green Lantern‘s poor critical reception and box office returns, the planned franchise never took flight.
SEE ALSO: Zachary Levi comments on his Shazam casting
UPDATE: Variety is also reporting that Grace Fulton is in talks to reunite with her Annabelle: Creation director David F. Sandberg on the film, and is being eyed for one of Billy Batson’s friends. Some speculation suggests that she could be portraying Billy’s sister Mary Marvel.
Shazam is being directed by David Sandberg with Zachary Levi starring as the magical champion Shazam. It is scheduled for a 2019 release date. A separate film starring Dwayne Johnson as Shazam’s main antagonist Black Adam is also being planned, though Johnson will not appear in Shazam.
Originally published November 2, 2017. Updated November 3, 2017.
