The media blitz for the DC Extended Universe’s Shazam continues with more pictures of star Zachary Levi, including an Entertainment Weekly cover for its San Diego Comic-Con issue.
The movie focuses on Billy Batson, a teenager who can transform into an adult superhero when he says the magical word “Shazam!” Asher Angel plays his “normal” form, while Levi takes over as his heroic persona.
That “kid trapped in a grown man’s body” aspect is on display for the EW cover, which shows Levi in his costume―mostly red, with a glowing lightning bolt on the chest―typing on his cell phone and blowing some bubble gum. He is leaning back against the wall and look surprised to notice that his picture is being taken.
“By saying the magic word, 14-year-old Billy Batson transforms into a superhero who can do almost anything. Except break curfew,” the magazine’s description says.
The other image, an apparent shot from the film, has Levi with Jack Dylan Grazer, who plays Billy’s best friend and foster brother, Freddy Freeman. Freddy is reaching out to touch the lightning bolt on Billy’s costume, and the two are marveling at the way that it glows (as do parts of his gauntlets); since other images lack this effect, the costume will presumably only light up under certain conditions.
While there have been a lot of leaks from the film’s production, we only have a few official images of Levi in costume. So far, they all seem to emphasize Billy’s personality, rather than showing off his powers, which have yet to be seen.
According to director David F. Sandberg, Shazam will have a lot of situational comedy, using its concept for a more lighthearted take on the genre. (Levi compares it to the film Big, except with superpowers added.) This cover helps capture that aspect, and helps send the message that Warner Bros. is moving the DCEU away from the sometimes grimdark tone that it has had in previous entries.
Their big chance will come at Comic-Con, where the film will be part of Saturday’s big DCEU panel. With Marvel Studios mostly sitting the event out, Warner Bros. will be working hard to push all of their upcoming films, including also Aquaman and Wonder Woman 1984. According to Shazam‘s cinematographer, they may even show its first trailer.
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