“Shazam” Character Breakdowns Include “Mysterious Man”

Character breakdowns have been released for the upcoming DC Extended Universe film Shazam, providing info about villainous Sivana, his kids Beautia and Magnificus, and a mysterious figure who may be Black Adam.

Shazam focuses on Billy Batson, a teenager who can transform into an adult superhero by saying “Shazam,” the name of the wizard who gave him his powers. Traditionally called Captain Marvel, in the film “Shazam” will apparently be his superhero title too. His two forms will be played by Angel Asher and Zachary Levi, respectively.

The villain, Thaddeus Bodog Sivana, will be played by Mark Strong, which the actor recently confirmed after conflicting reports. His breakdown describes him as an “Evil sorcerer who regenerates from death with world domination on his mind.” This is interesting, as in the comics Sivana is portrayed as a mad scientist—a delightfully clichéd one, to the point where he helped codify some conventions of the archetype. He has mixed magic with science at times, though, and the New 52 (which has influenced the DCEU to a great extent) did make it more central to his character, with him seeking those with magic in order to save his family.

Speaking of family, we are also introduced to his daughter, Beautia, and son Magnificus. The former is described as “Sivana’s devoted daughter. When he does not return her love, she changes loyalties and helps Billy out.” (See, Sivana had the first “Mad Scientist’s Beautiful Daughter!”) In the comics, both she and the super-strong Magnificus turn good, but his description only promises “a huge battle with Shazam,” not mentioning if they will become friends afterwards.

Most intriguing is a “Mysterious Man,” described only as “Shazam’s underling” and having a cameo. Assuming this means Shazam the Wizard, this could refer to Black Adam, who was his Champion before Billy. Black Adam was supposed to be the villain until a few months ago, when Geoff Johns announced that the character (played by Dwayne Johnson) would get a different DCEU premiere.

Such a big character and actor would be strange for a cameo, however. Another option is the shadowy man who, in the comics, brings Billy to the Wizard in the first place. In the original telling his identity was never revealed, though in modern stories it is sometimes the ghost of Billy’s father, helping him from beyond the grave.