Coming off the discovery of the MCU’s introduction of the little-known origin story of Carol Danvers earlier this month, moviegoers will soon discover 14-year-old Billy Batson’s fantastic abilities when he becomes Shazam! next weekend. What looks to be especially fun about DC’s next entry is audiences will get to learn of the superhero’s powers as he does and through the eyes of two teenage boys.
More early looks of Shazam! have been making its way to us in anticipation for the upcoming release, including this new clip teasing how Billy Batson’s transformation into an adult superhero works. Check it out:
The minute snippet from the film seems to take place shortly after Billy Batson (Asher Angel) becomes Shazam (Zachary Levi) for the first time, and is sneaking back into his foster home with Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) in the evening, hoping to go unnoticed. One of his foster sisters Darla, played by Faithe Herman (who This Is Us fans may notice as Annie Pearson) sees the superhero’s flashy costume and is about to react before Shazam! covers her mouth.
Shazam then attempts to explain to Darla of the unbelievable circumstances. He’s Billy and a wizard approached him and made him look like … well Zachary Levi in a muscly red and yellow suit. He says the word “shazam” again, which is what made him a superhero in the first place and he is turned back to his teenage self much to his surprise.
It’s a fun explainer about how Billy will learn of one of his many abilities and means he will most definitely be able to switch in and out of his alter ego throughout the film. With little Darla in on the secret, I can see the movie having some funny moments with her where she tries to keep the secret but lets things slip, since she said she’s “moderate” at keeping them.
As other early looks of Shazam! Have shown, Billy and Freddy will also learn about Shazam’s ability of flight, super strength, super speed, invulnerability and power to summon lightning in some hilarious ways that will get them geeking out – a fun change of pace from the typical hero unphased by the amazing things they can do.
While most fans will have to wait a little longer to see Shazam! in theaters, early critical reactions have been glowing: CinemaBlend’s own Sean O’Connell gave the film a delightful 4 out of 5 stars. Preview screenings also made a splash with $3.3 million in earnings, beating out Aquaman’s preview numbers.
Shazam! seems to be doing a successful job of peaking the interest of fans and we can’t wait to see the pair of foster kids learn the scope of the superhero’s fun scope of abilities and take on the film’s villian Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong) when the film hits theaters on April 5.
