The DC Universe's film slate has had an interesting go. There have been serious peaks and valleys, as well as new leadership. While most of the universe's future is a complete mystery to the fandom, there are two blockbusters coming down the line. James Wan's Aquaman will arrive in theaters first, but there is a ton of hype revolving around David F. Sandberg's Shazam! The kid-centric superhero movie debuted its first trailer at San Diego Comic-Con, teasing a blockbuster unlike anything we've seen from the genre. Most of Shazam!'s contents have been kept under wraps, but Sandberg recently revealed the title character's mission in the upcoming movie, saying:
He's trying to find his family... His mom is still out there. But once he gets these powers, he's just trying to figure out what to do with them and how it works. For that he needs his friend Freddie, who is like a superhero expert, who helps him to discover his powers and how to be a superhero.
Looks like Billy Batson has a very personal mission to complete in Shazam!, in addition to gaining control of his powers and ability to transform into his muscle-bound and superpowered alter ego. This will help give Shazam! the proper emotional weight, in addition to the hijinks and occasional dabbing that the kid/hero is going to do.
David F. Sandberg's comments to Comic Book are sure to confuse some of the hardcore DC fans out there, who are already familiar with Billy Batson's backstory from the comics. In the source material, Billy is actually an orphan and has lost both of his parents. While many assumed this would translate to Shazam!, it turns out that DC is taking some liberties and crafting a unique story to the original backstory.
Given the revelation about Billy Batson's mother in Shazam!, one had to wonder the circumstances that put him into foster care. Was she unfit? Did she abandon him? It's unclear. But a story about a boy longing for his mother is something most audiences can identify with, even if that boy happens to have a multitude of super powers and can somehow transform himself into a full grown man.
Shazam! will follow the story of Billy Batson, a 14-year old Philadelphian who recently found a new foster home. While riding the subway, Billy is given powers by The Wizard, and his life is changed forever. During his origin story he'll look to his new bestie Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) to guide him through Superhero 101. He'll also come to blows with new villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, although the conflict and fight sequence of the film are still unseen.
Shazam! will arrive in theaters, complete with a new backstory, on April 5, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
