Shazam! (2019)

About Shazam!

Shazam! is a 2019 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name where an orphaned boy gets the ability to transform into an adult superhero by uttering the word "Shazam". The film focuses on his journey to harness his powers while being targeted by the nefarious Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, a man rejected by the wizard's power years ago.

Making / Production

The film is directed by David F. Sandberg. Pre-production began in 2008 but principal photography didn't start until January 2018 in Toronto, Canada, and wrapped in May 2018.

Actors

• Zachary Levi as Shazam: The titular superhero, portrayed as charismatic and childish.
• Asher Angel as Billy Batson: A teenager who transforms into Shazam, played with a strong balance of youthful innocence and heroic demeanor.
• Mark Strong as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana: The film's main antagonist, portrayed as ruthless and powerful.
• Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman: Billy's foster brother and best friend, who is a superhero enthusiast.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first film version of a Captain Marvel/Shazam property, the character has previously appeared in TV shows, serials and animations.
• Shazam is an acronym of the six "immortal elders" Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury.
• In an earlier draft of the script, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was slated to play the villain Black Adam, but the character was cut from the script.

Awards

Shazam! won the 2019 Teen Choice Award for Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie and the 2020 Kids' Choice Awards for Favorite Superhero (Zachary Levi).

Quotes

• "Shazam?" - Billy Batson
• "Say my name so my powers may flow through you." - Shazam
• "I open my heart to you, and this is my thanks!" - Dr. Thaddeus Sivana

Music, Soundtrack

• "Shazam!" - Composed by Benjamin Wallfisch
• "Don't Stop Believin'" - Performed by Journey
• "Do You Hear What I Hear?" - Performed by Bing Crosby