A couple of weeks ago Zachary Levi was announced in the lead role of the upcoming DC film Shazam!.
In the comics, Shazam is actually the young boy Billy Batson, who transforms into an older version of himself by saying “Shazam”. And now the role of Shazam’s young counterpart has been cast with Variety reporting Asher Angel will portray Billy Batson. Angel’s only role so far is on The Disney Channel show Andi Mack.
Batson became Shazam after being chosen by a dying wizard of the same name to be the gods’ champion. Shazam is used as an acronym for the ancient gods and warriors – Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury – and Billy uses their magical powers to protect the world.
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Mark Strong is in talks to play Shazam’s villain Doctor Sivana while Grace Fulton has been cast as one of Billy Batson’s friends. Dwayne Johnson will also portray Shazam’s nemesis Black Adam, though in his own separate film, with a crossover planned for a later date.
Originally published November 6, 2017. Updated April 18, 2018.
