Shazam! Star Zachary Levi Almost Gave Away The Role

Shazam star Zachary Levi is really excited about the upcoming film. However, there was a time when the actor didn’t think he could play the role.

Levi spoke at Baltimore Comic-Con recently where he revealed that he was really intimidated for the role of Shazam. The actor was intimidated because of Dwayne Johnson, who had already signed on to play Black Adam in the franchise.

Levi, instead auditioned for a supporting role, as he thought that Warner Bros. wanted someone as big as Dwayne Johnson.

“I put myself on tape for this other role and the director, producers, and the studio saw it,” Levi said. “And they hadn’t cast their Shazam yet and they said ‘We think that could be our Shazam.'”

Levi then went on to compare his situation with that of Billy Batson in the film, as he also didn’t believe in himself completely before getting chosen for Shazam!

“I feel like in the same way the Wizard sees in Billy Batson the character that is necessary to be Captain Marvel, Shazam,” Levi said. “I feel like New Line and my director and producers saw in me the character necessary to be this character.”

Given that Black Adam’s solo film was underway before Shazam, there are still many questions surrounding Dwayne Johnson’s film. However, Levi went on to reveal that the film is underway and he’s hopeful that it will give a planned sequel to Shazam!

“I don’t know when they’re going to make that standalone live-action movie but I know that’s the plan,” Levi said. “And I hope that eventually Shazam and Black Adam get to fight each other because I’d like to kick The Rock’s ass.”

After the release of the first teaser trailer, it seems like Levi and co-star Asher Angel, who plays his alter ego Billy Batson are a perfect tandem for the duo role.

Even Angel admitted during an interview with Variety that he’s a big fan of what Levi brings to the character.

“Zach, you’re the perfect Shazam because, I mean, we look alike, kind of, but he’s funny, we have a lot in common,” Angel said. “I mean, he’s really a kid too. So, he’s a kid and an adult. Zach, I love you buddy. I can’t wait for what’s to come and you’re the best so, SHAZAM!”

Shazam! will hit the theaters on April 5, 2019.