One of the most anticipated characters set to enter the DC Extended Universe is Shazam, who will debut in a 2019 solo film. While the role of Billy Batson/Shazam has yet to be cast, one actor familiar with the world of DC Comics adaptations wants to throw his hat in the ring.
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Alan Ritchson, who is best known for playing Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Smallville, recently began campaigning for the role through social media. This came after a fan pointed out that the rendering of Shazam shown in the DC Films San Diego Comic-Con panel looked pretty similar to Ritchson.
Ok, so here’s the thing… I… hold on I have a call coming in brb RT @JaeRoar: @alanritchson explain. pic.twitter.com/syiDwTuuLr
โ Alan Ritchson (@alanritchson) July 31, 2017
In the days since, Ritchson has shared multiple pieces of fanart of him in the role, including one that you can check out below.
This one is the most right so far imo. He has a smile on his face. @BarrettDigital_: @alanritchson as #Shazam! pic.twitter.com/L6ZqE6rmR4
โ Alan Ritchson (@alanritchson) August 1, 2017
Since the days of Smallville, Ritchson has appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Black Mirror, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot films. It’s unclear if he will extend his talents to Shazam!, especially considering the cryptic response the potential casting received from its director, David F. Sandberg.
This should answer all questions: pic.twitter.com/XmtFBsAwFZ
โ David F. Sandberg (@ponysmasher) July 31, 2017
While it’s unclear if Ritchson is actually up for the role, it seems like he’s having fun with the possibility of a return to the world of DC Comics properties.
There’s no official synopsis for Shazam! or Black Adam, but here’s what Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson had to say about the latter film over on Instagram:
“One of the most powerful anti-heroes on the planet is coming. And he is coming in hot. Brace yourself for BLACK ADAM! It’s a new dawn.
“Had a very cool and strategic meeting with the heads of DC about their entire universe. As a hard core DC fan, to get a real sense of the tonal shifts and developments coming in these future movies has me fired up. Something we, as DC fans have all been waiting for for a very long time. Hope, optimism & FUN. Even when talking about the the most ruthless villain/anti-hero of all time finally coming to life. Prepare yourselves DC Universe.”
More Shazam! news:
- Shazam! Will Be The DCEU’s Most Light-Hearted Movie Yet
- Shazam! Director Is Reading Classic Comics To Get To Know The Hero
- Shazam! Director Trolls Batman v. Superman
- DC Chief Confirms The Rock Isn’t Going To Be In Shazam Movie