DC hero Billy Batson is set to take centre-stage in the upcoming Shazam! film from DC, with Asher Angel tackling the role of the 14-year-old whose life is forever changed one fateful afternoon. Learning he can turn into the adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi) simply by saying the crime fighter’s name, Batson may be a kid at heart, but will have to learn to control his powers quickly if he’s to stand a chance in taking down the forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong).
This weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, the first official trailer for Shazam! was revealed, showcasing some of the brilliant humour and chaotic action we should expect when the movie hits the big screen in 2019. You can check it out below:
One of the things that audiences seem to be most excited about when it comes to this movie is the level of humour that’s being used. DC films that we’ve seen to-date as part of the unofficially-titled DC Extended Universe have often been dark in their tone and nature, so to see one that’s poking fun at itself throughout and having a great time may be the perfect little break from the grittiness of movies gone by.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a stronger and more serious tone at the heart of the Shazam! story, but from what we’ve seen in this first trailer, they’re getting the balance just right.
Jack Dylan Grazer also stars in the film as Billy’s best friend Freddy; a part of the foster family that includes Mary (Grace Fulton), Darla (Faithe Herman), Eugene (Ian Chen), and Pedro (Jovan Armand). Cooper Andrews and Marta Milans play foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez respectively, whilst Ron Cephas Jones steps into the role of the Wizard who grants Billy his powers.
Shazam! comes to cinemas across the UK in April 2019. We’ll bring you more news surrounding the film as and when we get it.