The solo Shazam movie has become one of the most exciting projects of the current DC film slate, but also one of the most uncertain. Although The Rock has remained attached to portray the villainous Black Adam for quite some time, few other concrete details about the highly anticipated project have bubbled to the surface since the movie received its initial announcement. However, that may have just changed in a major way, as a new rumor has suggested that Shazam will enter production in February.
If Shazam actually begins shooting in February 2018, then this could raise questions about the possibility of it being ready for its previously announced April 5, 2019 release date. That production schedule certainly seems within the realm of possibility, but it would also make sense for the film to get another release date altogether. DC has two unannounced titles waiting in the wings with a February 14, 2020 release date, as well as a June 5, 2020 release date. The studio has not confirmed if Shazam is one of these titles, but it would not feel very shocking if Billy Batson's solo movie got moved up to 2020 to make room for other projects like Chris McKay's Nightwing, Joss Whedon's Batgirl, or Wonder Woman 2.
The reason we would not be shocked by a Shazam delay is the fact that there are still plenty of fundamental elements that need to fall into place for the film. No actor has been cast to step into the titular role yet (although names like Armie Hammer and Channing Tatum have been thrown around by fans), no child actor has been confirmed for Billy Batson, and no director has officially signed on the dotted line. Lights Out helmer David Sandberg has long been rumored for the project, but even that gossip mill has remained notably quiet in recent months. With Dwayne Johnson standing as the only puzzle piece to fall into place correctly, a February start for filming would likely give Warner Bros. and DC enough time to find a lead actor and a filmmaker who can competently execute his or her vision for the story.
Of course, we need to take a moment to acknowledge the fact that this rumor from The Wrap has not received a confirmation yet. It seems feasible that Shazam could finally start filming in February, but we will have to wait and see whether or not that will actually happen. With San Diego Comic-Con coming up this weekend, we are willing to bet that we will receive some answers to these pressing questions.
As of right now, Shazam is still slated to debut in theaters on April 5, 2019, but we will keep you posted on any new developments related to the long awaited DC film. For more information related to this year's blockbusters (superhero or otherwise) make sure to check out our movie premiere guide and get your moviegoing calendars filled out accordingly!
