When it comes to throwback superheroes, they don’t get any more old school than Shazam. In 1940, C. C. Beck and Bill Parker may have created the hero formerly known as Captain Marvel as a response to Superman, but the hero struck a chord with readers and he even briefly more popular than the Man of Steel. Next year, director David F. Sandberg is bringing Shazam! to the big screen with Zachary Levi in the title role. Fans were less than pleased with the leaked pics of Levi’s superhero costume a few months ago, but now we’ve got an official first look at Shazam’s latest outfit. Today’s Nerdist News is breaking down the details.
Join host and the DC Universe’s Edna Mode, Jessica Chobot, as she examines the Shazam picture from the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. The early takeaway is that the costume blends elements from the classic Captain Marvel outfit and Shazam’s incarnation from the New 52 reboot. So the boots, belt, and hoodie are from the modern era, while the cape is decidedly Golden Age.
The thing that sets Shazam apart from most heroes is that he is literally a kid at heart. Asher Angel is playing Billy Batson as a young boy, while Levi will portray his heroic alter ego. Essentially, this is Big with superheroes, so we’re expecting some charmingly childish antics as Billy gets used to having an adult body at his command. But he’s still relatively good at heart. Even in this pic, Billy isn’t chucking a beer. It’s just generic soda.
Jack Dylan Grazer is also in that picture as Freddy Freeman, the alter ego of Captain Marvel Jr. in the comics. Freeman became part of the Marvel family and had his own variation of Shazam’s powers. While that may eventually happen in the movie, for now, it appears that Freddy is in on Billy’s secret and enjoying the ride.
What do you think about the official first look at Shazam’s costume? Let’s discuss in the comment section below!
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
