As Matt Reeves continues to work on THE BATMAN script, and with THE FLASH still searching for a director, the DCEU still seems to be working out the kinks in their solo movie slate. Things have taken an uptick though, and a new report has come out saying that SHAZAM! will be the next movie on their solo slate, aiming to begin production early next year.
Sources close to the production have told THR that the movie could start shooting as early as January or February with LIGHTS OUT and ANNABELLE: CREATION director David F. Sandberg set to direct. The movie is aiming for a 2019 release date. There is no casting news as of yet, but with Comic-Con underway, we might be hearing that news soon. Quick, place your bets!
Sandberg was rumored to be up for the gig some time ago, but there was no confirmation on it until now. Also linked on the production side was EARTH TO ECHO scribe Henry Gayden, who is reportedly set to write the script. As for the release date, WB recently announced two dates they’ve secured for two mystery movies. Both of those dates were for 2020, so if SHAZAM! is indeed eyeing a 2019 date then neither of those dates apply. Other DCEU movies on the production slate are WONDER WOMAN 2, BATGIRL with Joss Whedon, and SUICIDE SQUAD 2 – but all of those are in the earliest of stages of development.
On the performance side, one actor previously linked to the movie was Dwayne Johnson, who is still set to play the villainous Black Adam in the DCEU. However, it was revealed some time ago that Black Adam would instead get his own movie, and this new report confirms that the character will not be appearing in the SHAZAM! film.
Of all the characters in the DC roster, I figured SHAZAM! wouldn’t be of such importance. Sure, in the comics and the history of the DC universe he’s a massive character, but in the realm of the DCEU movies there seem to be bigger fish people want to see fried – like Green Lantern. Granted, JUSTICE LEAGUE will introduce Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and Aquaman (Jason Momoa), with the latter getting his own film next year, so I guess that checks off a lot of boxes. At this point I just want to know who they want to play the leading hero, and that news is bound to come soon, so be sure to stick with us!