After a few leaked images and some promo art of the hero sipping on a Slurpee we now have the first, official look at Zachary Levi in the movie SHAZAM! as the title hero. The first image finds him doing what any 14-year-old kid who transformed into a muscular god would do: chugging some soda with his best pal, Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer). Of course, he looks much more heroic doing it.
The costume is on full display here, featuring the classic red/white/yellow look that sticks to the suit fans of the comic know and love, with the hood from the New 52 look added as well. Director David F. Sandberg spoke with EW about the costume, saying, “I wanted to keep the shorter cape as a throwback to the original because that’s something that sets him apart from Superman or Batman. It makes him feel a bit more Golden Age superhero, which is the vibe I’m going for.”
The story follows teenager Bill Batson (Asher Angel) who has his life changed when a wizard grants him the ability to turn into a mighty hero when he says the word "Shazam." It was announced yesterday that actor Djimon Hounsou would be playing the wizard, a “3,000 years old sorcerer from Ancient Egypt who uses his powers to fight evil and has been seeking a successor to carry on his mission. He passes his power to Billy who only needs to shout his name — SHAZAM — to instantly become a superhero with an array of powers."
The movie seems to be going for BIG meets Superman, and if that is indeed the tone then they nailed it here. Part of what will make the movie great is capturing the essence of what it means to be a teenager becoming a tall, muscular superhero. That doesn't always mean flying around trying to save the day, but often hanging out with your best bud and getting into some hijinks. The image has me excited for whatever the rest of the movie has in store, and perhaps we will see the first trailer come Comic-Con next week!
SHAZAM! arrives April 5, 2019.