Zachary Levi Describes 'Shazam' As 'Big' With Super Powers

zachary levi talking about shazam 'and now it begins, the puns!' we love a man [...]

By Matthew Aguilar

The live-action Shazam! is finally starting to come into focus, and now fans have something they can compare it to.

Shazam! star Zachary Levi stopped by KTLA 5 to talk about the upcoming project, and he explained the film's inspiration by citing a Tom Hanks classic.

"Look the movie I think, ultimately the hope is it's going to feel like the movie Big but with superpowers," Levi said. "I mean that's what Shazam is. Billy Batson who's 13 gets this magical power, he says Shazam, he becomes Captain Marvel Shazam, long story we'll get into that later, and then he becomes me. So you've got to have the heart of that kind of Tom Hanks of the kid in you."

Big released in 1988, and the film has become a classic in the years since, especially when anyone brings up dancing on giant keyboards.

Levi was previously a part of Marvel's cinematic universe in the Thor movies, but he wasn't about to pass up a chance to play one once more.

"These superhero roles, they come around very seldom, and to be somebody who's blessed enough to hold that brass ring and to have a franchise and tentpole, it's insane," Levi said.

Levi couldn't be happier to be a part of the superhero universe once more, and he let fans know after the official announcement.

"Honored and greatly humbled to be a part of the #dcuniverse by bringing the original Captain Marvel to life," Levi said, referring to Shazam by the character's original name before DC Comics changed it to Shazam to avoid confusion and legal battles with the Marvel Comics character of the same name. "I am beside myself with gratitude, not only for this opportunity, but also the incredible outpouring of love and support from so many of you out there in the world. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be in the gym for the rest of forever."

Fans can welcome the magical hero to the cinemas when Shazam! hits theaters on April 5, 2019.

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