Shazam!
In its early Clarence Day , theDC Extended Universewas criticize for being too dark and dreary witha mopey Supermananda murderous Batman . To that end , Shazam!seems like a response to the DCEU ’s critics as a light-hearted gambol that palpate like a full - blown comedy . Zachary Levidescribed it asBigwith superpowers .
The story concerns 13 - yr - old Billy Batson , who is given the ability to release into an adult superhero with the titular code word . With any hazard , we have more DCEU picture like this to look forwards to . Here are 10 interesting detail from the fashioning ofShazam ! .
John Cena Met With David F. Sandberg About Playing Shazam
Director David F. Sandbergmet with John Cena about possibly act the part of Shazam , but Cena was ultimately unable to take the theatrical role as the shot schedule ofShazam!clashed with his commitments toTransformersspin - offBumblebee .
So , Zachary Levi was able to clinch the part . Cena will or else join the DCEU in a unlike purpose in James Gunn ’s upcomingSuicide Squadsequel / reboot .
The Failure Of Speed Racer Delayed This Movie’s Initial Development
In the 2000s , aShazam!movie was in developing with a script by John August . However , in 2008 , the Wachowskis’Speed Racermovie bombed at the box authority with a calorie-free tone andThe Dark Knightbecame a huge hitting with a drear tone , so Warner Bros. called offShazam!andfocused on darker comic Word of God movies or else .
Ironically , Shazam!would later get made when the failure ofBatman v SupermanandJustice Leaguehad Warner Bros. scramble for light superhero transportation .
Henry Cavill Was Supposed To Cameo As Superman
DC fans were enjoyably surprised by Superman ’s appearance at the end ofShazam ! , but they were also jumble by the fact that he does n’t show his fount . Apparently , a cameo waspart of Henry Cavill ’s contract renegotiations , and ultimately fell through . So , Superman ’s face is obliterate and he ’s played by Zachary Levi ’s stunt double Ryan Handley .
Zachary Levi Packed On 20lbs Of Muscle For The Movie
As with any histrion who ’s cast to play a superhero in a high - profile smash hit , Zachary Levi worked out extensively to bulge up forShazam ! , tot up 20lbs of muscle to his frame . This raised his overall consistence weight to 220lbs .
In an interview , manufacturer Michael Rosenbaumguessed Levi ’s post - workout weight to be 215lbs , and Levi was ready to objurgate him and tell him that he was 5lbs short .
Sam Raimi Wanted To Direct Shazam!
Before David F. Sandberg was tap to directShazam ! , a different horror theatre director , Sam Raimi ofThe Evil Dead , extract pursuit in helm the project .
Raimi is no stranger to comic book motion picture . Hedeveloped aThormovie in the ‘ 90sbeforedirecting Tobey Maguire’sSpider - Mantrilogy , and he ’s beenhired to helm the nextDoctor Strangemovie .
Michael Keaton Was Considered To Play The Wizard
Djimon Hounsou ended up flirt the Wizard inShazam!after appearing in four other comic Scripture movies : Guardians of the Galaxy , Captain Marvel , Aquaman , andConstantine . But he was n’t the producers ’ first choice for the character .
Ron Cephas Jones was originally spue in the part , but had to dribble out due to programming conflicts withThis is Us . Before Hounsou was vagabond , the producers approachedformer Batman Michael Keaton , Alan Alda , F. Murray Abraham , and Tony Shalhoub .
Director David F. Sandberg Cameoed As Five Different Characters
It ’s not rare for directors to make cameo show in their movies , ever since Hitchcock splendidly showed up in every single one of his whole kit . But inShazam ! , David F. Sandberg cameo as five different character .
He voice Mister Mind in the mid - credits scenery and Marilyn Batson ’s boyfriend when Billy goes to her flat , as well as all three Crocodile - Men with the assistant of puppeteers Neil Morrill and Steve Newburn .
Dr. Sivana Had A Daughter In Early Drafts Of The Script
In early draft of the script forShazam ! , Dr. Sivana had a daughter advert Beautia Sivana , as he does in the strip . The producer contract down the be sick short list to Virginia Gardner , Hunter King , and Tori Anderson before the role was cut from the pic .
Zachary Levi Improvised A Bunch Of His Lines
A cluster of Shazam ’s funniest line were improvised by Zachary Levi , who clearly relished the chance to run a superhero with the mind and soul of an fanatical 13 - yr - onetime kid . These ad - libs let in the “ Detective Moron ” and “ You ’re dead ” laugh , as well as the line “ Get him , Batman ! ” during the plaything store fight .
Dwayne Johnson Was Originally Going To Appear As Black Adam
This movie was earlier choke to sport an appearance by Billy Batson ’s greatest foe , Black Adam , but his view were ultimately shorten when the powers that be in charge of the DCEU decided tosave him for his own solo moving-picture show .
Dwayne Johnson has been cast off in the character , which may have contributed to the decision to give him his own movie , since Johnson is one of the only movie genius work today whocan still tie a bunch establish on their involvement alone .
NEXT : Black Adam : 5 thing That Have Been confirm ( & 5 Fan Theories )
