Brie Larson won’t be the only Captain Marvel coming to theaters next year. Warner Bros. have officially started filming Shazam, which is based upon DC Comics’ Captain Marvel, created by C. C. Beck and Bill Parker. And while “the world’s mightiest mortal” won’t be going by his original name, instead carrying the “Shazam” moniker he adopted in light of the arrival of Marvel Comics’ like-named character, the core elements of the hero’s origin story will remain intact.
Warner Bros. has released a description of Shazam‘s plot, which focuses on the lighthearted aspects of the story of young Billy Batson (as played by Asher Angel) and his ability to transform into a superpowered adult (played by Zachary Levi). Via Gamespot, the synopsis suggests that the movie will take the Big approach, allowing Shazam to act like a kid even when he’s in his adult body.
Mark Strong will play Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, Shazam’s primary nemesis, while Ron Cephas Jones will portray the ancient wizard who was previously Shazam before bestowing his gifts to Billy. Although Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has already been set to play Shazam’s rival, Black Adam, in a DC Extended Universe project—likely a Black Adam solo film—he’s not expected to star in this movie. That said, we’d be shocked if he didn’t at least make a post-credits cameo.
Shazam will be released on April 5, 2019.
Are you excited to hear that Shazam is a kid at heart? Call down the lightning in the comment section below!
Images: DC Comics
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