Coming to theaters on May 9th is SHADOW FORCE starring Kerry Washington, Omar Sy, Mark Strong, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Cliff “Method Man” Smith.
In SHADOW FORCE, Kyrah (Washington) and Isaac (Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war.
“Shadow Force came with one iron clad rule. No one leaves.”
In SHADOW FORCE, Kyrah (Kerry Washington) and Isaac (Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war.
But in this first trailer, it’s definitely Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Cliff “Method Man” Smith who steal the show!
Oh yeah… count us in!
Also starring the always brilliant Mark Strong, the film is from director Joe Carnahan who’s helmed NARC (2002), SMOKIN’ ACES (2006), THE A-TEAM (2010), THE GREY (2011), and the very entertaining COPSHOP (2021) starring Frank Grillo and Gerard Butler.
Look for SHADOW FORCE in theaters May 2.
Cliff “Method Man” Smith as Unc and Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Auntie in Shadow Force. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
This week during the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront presentation, Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content, unveiled a first look teaser of the Max Original drama series DUNE: PROPHECY. The six-episode season debuts this fall on Max.
From the expansive universe of “Dune,” created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. DUNE: PROPHECY is inspired by the novel SISTERHOOD OF DUNE, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
The cast includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.
Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first. Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with New York Times bestselling author Brian Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson serves as co-producer.
The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise that has released award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve’s two installments to critical acclaim, the first, DUNE, garnered six Oscars. https://www.max.com/movies/dune/e7dc7b3a-a494-4ef1-8107-f4308aa6bbf7
” They’re walking into a trap. Your orders are to deliver a message calling off tomorrow morning’s attack. If you fail, it will be a massacre.”
OWN IT STRAIGHT FROM THEATERS ON DIGITAL MARCH 10, 2020 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM AND DVD MARCH 24, 202 FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
1917, the critically acclaimed, multi-award winning action spectacle including Academy Award® winner for Best Cinematography arrives on Digital March 10, 2020 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-rayTM and DVD March 24, 2020 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed as “One of the most extraordinary cinematic achievements of the year” (JoBlo), the universally acclaimed film combines groundbreaking film making, memorable performances, and an unforgettable insight into the human experience against the shattering background of war. Additionally an Oscar® winner for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Mixing, 1917 is “a new war movie classic” (NY Post).
Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of 1917. We Are Movie Geeks has one copy to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie is that takes place during WWI. (mine’s PATHS OF GLORY). It’s so easy!
1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.
2. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.
In 1917 at the height of the First
World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (MacKay) and Blake (Chapman) are given a seemingly
impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and
deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of
soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them. 1917 comes to Digital, 4K Ultra HD,
Blu-rayTM and DVD with bonus content showcasing the incredible craft
and artistry behind the immersive feature, including a detailed look into the
production design, how the film engineered a one shot, 360-degree format and
interviews with the cast and crew.
In 1917, Academy Award®-winning director
Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Spectre,
Skyfall) brings his Golden Globe® and BAFTA award-winning directorial
performance to a script co-written alongside Krysty Wilson-Cairns (“Penny
Dreadful”). The filmstars breakout actors George Mackay (Captain Fantastic, Pride, Sunshine on Leith) and Dean-Charles
Chapman (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”). Accompanying Mackay and Chapman are standout
performances by Mark Strong (Tinker
Tailor, Kingsman, The Imitation Game), Andrew Scott (“Fleabag”, Sherlock, Spectre), Richard Madden
(Netflix’s “The Bodyguard”, Rocketman, HBO’s
“Game of Thrones”), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, Kingsman, Bridget Jones) and
Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Dr.
Strange, The Imitation Game). The film was produced by Mendes, Pippa Harris
(“Penny Dreadful”, “Call the Midwife”), Jayne-Ann Tenggren (Spectre, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close), Callum McDougall (Spectre, Skyfall, Casino Royale) and
Brian Oliver (Rocketman, Black Swan).
Learn how the one shot,
360-degree format was executed and the pivotal role Academy Award® winner
Roger Deakins served in bringing Sam Mendes’ vision to life.
Composer Thomas Newman and filmmakers discuss the important
role of the Academy Award®-nominated score.
Go behind the scenes with the cast of 1917.
Filmmakers offer a detailed look at the production design
challenges of recreating the First World War.
1917 will be available on 4K Ultra HD combo pack, which
includes 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, & Digital Code.
4K
Ultra HD is the
ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K
resolution for four times sharper picture than HD, the color brilliance of High
Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio delivering a multidimensional sound
experience.
1917
4K Ultra HD is available with HDR10+™, providing a premium
HDR picture quality. HDR10+ transforms your movie watching experience with
incredible brightness and contrast for each scene, delivering brighter brights
and deepest darks.
Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
The Movies Anywhere Digital Appsimplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. Movies Anywhere is available only in the United States.
In 2017 audiences witnessed Christopher Nolan’s brilliant thriller DUNKIRK, depicting the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II. At the 90th Academy Awards, it was awarded Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Film Editing, with five further nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.
Two war movies are set to land this awards season. ROland Emmerich’s WWII film MIDWAY and now the movie 1917.
Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director of Skyfall, Spectre and American Beauty, brings his singular vision to his World War I epic, 1917.
The First World War was fought on a vast scale and raised unprecedented challenges for the leaders of the combatant nations.
The political leaders were responsible for the decision to go to war, and for deciding what war aims to pursue. The horrific casualties sustained early in the war meant that none of them could consider accepting a peace without victory. They were forced to oversee ever-increasing social and industrial mobilization to support the war, and to mortgage the financial future of their countries to pay for it.
Official synopsis:
At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.
The cast also features Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, with Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch.
1917 is directed by Sam Mendes, who wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Showtime’s Penny Dreadful). The film is produced by Mendes and Pippa Harris (co-executive producer, Revolutionary Road; executive producer, Away We Go) for their Neal Street Productions, Jayne-Ann Tenggren (co-producer, The Rhythm Section; associate producer, Spectre), Callum McDougall (executive producer, Mary Poppins Returns, Skyfall) and Brian Oliver (executive producer, Rocketman; Black Swan). The film is produced by Neal Street Productions for DreamWorks Pictures in association with New Republic Pictures.
Thomas Newman will team up once again with Mendes to score the film. 1917 also reunites Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins. The last film Deakins shot was BLADE RUNNER 2019 which earned him his first Academy Awars after 14 nominations.
Universal Pictures will release the film domestically in limited release on December 25, 2019 and wide on January 10, 2020. Universal and Amblin Partners will distribute the film internationally, with eOne distributing on behalf of Amblin in the U.K.
Ever wonder why they call the phenomenon where hostages bond with their captor “Stockholm syndrome?” The semi-comic crime film STOCKHOLM answers that question, in a tale based on a 1973 true incident. Ethan Hawke stars as a crook who walks into a Stockholm bank wearing a long-haired wig and sunglasses, toting a bag full of weaponry, and proceeds to take hostages. However, he is not there to rob the bank. Instead he demands the release of a friend, imprisoned bank robber Gunnar Sorensson (Mark Strong). As the stand-off with authorities drags on, the hostagetaker shows a softer, houman side and starts to form a tentative bond with one of the bank employees he’s holding, Bianca, played by Noomi Rapace, the original Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
There are undeniable parallels to DOG
DAY AFTERNOON in writer/director Robert Budreau’s film but STOCKHOLM
is a smaller, less ambitious film, an absurd tale with a sweeter,
even comic side. It is not what we expect at the film’s start, as we
watch Ethan Hawke’s character don his disguise and walk into the bank
toting his bag of weaponry.
The film’s major charm is Ethan Hawke’s performance as this small time crook who isn’t really cut out for the work and whose heart isn’t really in it. Ethan Hawke gives us unexpected layers to this character and his scenes with Rapace are particularly good. Hawke’s slightly sad character has an underlying decency that Rapace’s character picks up on. Rapace’s character is a practical-minded wife and mother, who when she gets to speak to her husband by phone shortly after being taken prisoner, gives him detailed instructions for cooking the fish for dinner. It is the kind of dry, absurdist humor STOCKHOLM deals in.
Mark Strong also turns in a good
performance as a kind of more grounded foil to Hawke’s impractical
dreamer. The police chief Mattsson (Christopher Heyerdahl) handling
the hostage situation is an arrogant, irritating fellow, and the
other negotiators are equally unpleasant and duplicitous, which helps
slant sentiment towards both the hostages and the crooks. As the
stand-off drags on, we get to know the hostages and the crooks much
better as people, and the closeness that starts to evolve between
them makes more sense than you expect.
STOCKHOLM does not compare to DOG DAY
AFTERNOON in scope or strength, but it is a surprisingly sweet
character study, largely thanks to Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace.
STOCKHOLM opens Friday, April 26, at AMC’s West Olive 16 Theater.
Superheroes in the Springtime? Oh yes, they’re not the mainstay of Summer cinema any longer. Hey, a few even pop up in the Winter (Dr. Strange, Thor, and even the JLA dropped by just in time for “turkey day”). Just about four weeks ago Marvel Studios released their super-powered, high-flying hero CAPTAIN MARVEL to much praise and big box office bucks. So this new flick has a fairly familiar fella’ in red tights and white cape, guess he’s from the same producers. right? Nope, this powerhouse actually predates all the MCU stars (even WWII’s Captain America). Oh, and he hails from Marvel’s long-standing rival, DC Comics. Technically though he’s an acquisition (a wise one, indeed) from a defunct comic book kingdom (a bit more on that later). And what’s the source of his astounding abilities? Born on a distant planet? Exposure to weird rays or energy blasts? A bite from an irradiated animal? None of the above, for his myriad of gifts come from uttering a single word (not said while imitating Jim Nabors’ Mayberry Marine, please): SHAZAM!
This hero’s journey starts out in 1974 (hmmm, same year as the debut of the CBS Saturday morning live-action “Shazam!” TV series). A timid young lad named Thad fails a magical test given by an ancient wizard leading to tragedy. After the title logo flashes with a white hot burst, we’re on the streets of modern-day Philladelphia as fourteen-year-old orphan Billy Batson (Asher Angel) bends (and breaks) the law in his all-consuming quest to locate his birht parents. Said law catches up to him , and he’s back in “the system”, soon to be assigned to another group foster home. This one is run by a nurturing couple, Rosa (Marta Milans) and Victor (Cooper Andrews) Vasquez, who have already opened their house and hearts to bound-for-college Mary Bromfield (Grace Fulton), quiet introverted Pedro Pena (Jovan Armand), whip-smart gaming whiz Eugene Choi (Ian Chen), and sweet, welcoming Darla Dudley (Faithe Herman). Oh, and there’s Billy’s new roomate, motor-mouthed superhero fan (certified collectables) physically challenged Freddie Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer). Despite his friendliness, Billy remains aloof to the others since it’s just a brief “pit stop” before resuming his search. However, when Freddie is threatened by bullies at school, Billy comes to his defense. When the thugs chase him to a subway stop, he hops aboard to escape. Then things get weird. The digital banner displays odd icons and symbols. The lights flicker and the other passengers disappear. Ice forms around the car. The doors open and Billy is in a dark cave, and is soon standing in front of that same ole’ wizard, Shazam (Djimon Hounsou). He offers Billy the chance to become a powerful champion of good, one who will protect the world from the Seven Deadly Sins. All he need do is say his name while holding the magic staff. Billy laughs it off, but gives it a try.He’s enveloped by lightening, and when the smoke clears he’s a towering thirty-something adult man in a red suit and flowing white cape (Zachary Levi). And in a blink, he’s back sitting in the subway car.
“Big” Billy makes his way back to the group home and contacts Freddie, since he knows about these “super guys”. Over the next couple of days they conduct tests (shooting videos for the internet, natch’) to discover just what new powers this Billy now has. Meanwhile young Thad has now grown up into the dour Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong), who is obssessed with finding a way back to the wizard’s lair. When he finally succeeds, Shazam is long gone, and those “7 Sins” offer him God-like gifts if he will be their “host”. The monstrous creatures turn to vapor and enter the doctor’s body. But he still wants more. When Sivana sees the newsreports and videos of Billy and Freddie, he makes them his new mission: to acquire and retrieve all of the magic that the wizard Shazam has gifted the boy. But can Billy sharpen his skills (the flying thing is tough) and summon the courage to become the hero to defeat Sivana and save the world from those demonic creatures he possess?
This coming of age/origin (not orange) story soars thanks to the ingratiating effortless charms of Levi as the juggernaut with the heart of a child (well, pre-teen). Much as Tom Hanks did in that 1988 classic, Levi carefully (while making it look easy) treads a fine line, giving “super Billy” an engaging innocence and enthusiasm and avoiding making him a muscular simpleton or doofus. Particularly funny are his attempts at his interpretation of adult behavior whether buying some “brewskis” or playing Freddie’s “papa”. These endearing scenes heighten the drama of the big action-filled finale as Levi holds back the tears of real pain as an equal power pummels him. This leads to him finding his hero’s heart (that Achilles courage) and using his brain rather than brawn to save the family he’s finally embraced (along with humanity). Luckily Levi has a fearsome nemesis in Strong as the sinister single-minded Sivana who won’t hesitate to destroy any in his way. As Billy might say, “A real scary super-villain!”. As “regular” Billy, Angel carries most of the intimate dramatic story arc as tries to be aloof around his new “crib”, throwing up a wall between him and his “siblings”, in order to toss them aside when he finds his “true” roots. The conclusion of his “quest” provides the story with a dose of “real world” emotion as Angel shows, through his soulful eyes, Billy’s acceptance. While Strong is a formidable foe, Grazer is a most entertaining sidekick/ confidant as the energetic wise-acre Freddie, who enlightens Billy on “super-heroing“, but also delivers a needed “wake up call” insisting that the powers weren’t bestowed on him in order to make some fast cash (as a “super-busker”). Grazer has great comic timing and proves to be a perfect “wing man“.Hounson is gruff, intimadating, and “other worldy” as the wondefully wise, but cranky wizard. Kudos to Milans and Andrews as the warm, caring (no “push-overs’, though) parents any kids would be lucky to have, along with the adorable Ms. Herman whose big pleading brown eyes can melt any hero’s heart (her sister and brothers are terrific too).
As with 2017’s WONDER WOMAN the DC cinematic universe seems to be getting “back on track” and steering away from the “one tone suits all” dark, nearly pitch black flicks that Zack Snyder began with MAN OF STEEL back in 2013. This film is infused with fun, charm, and a bright color palette (as opposed to the desaturated look of most of this DC WB entries). And then there’s that whole “not really a DC hero” thing I mentioned earlier. Shazam and his original name, Captain Marvel, were created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck for Fawcett publishing (that’s why Billy and Freddie attend Fawcett High) in 1940. Almost immediately National Periodicals, home of Superman, sued for copyright infringement, and the case dragged along for a dozen or so years. In the meantime the good captain regularly outsold all the other comic heroes (1.5 million copies per month) and was the first movie superhero (in the 1941 Republic serial “The Adventures of Captain Marvel”). When sales sagged in the 50s Fawcett settled the suit paying a hefty fine and discontinuing that line of comics. With the character in limbo, in the mid 60s, Marvel Comics swooped in and secured a copywright on the Captain Marvel name (which eventually led to the film that opened last month). In the early 70’s DC liscensed the origianl characters and stories from DC, but because of Marvel’s actions, had to title the book “Shazam”. Eventually DC bought the rights to all the Fawcett heroes in 1991, and jettsoned the Captain name and called the hero Shazam.
Veteran horror film director (LIGHT’S OUT, ANNABELLE: CREATION) David F. Sandberg keeps the film rolling along at a brisk pace only faltering, but not quite derailing when dealing with Shazam’s “dark mirror”. A kid becoming a superhero would seem to be “sure-fire” family fare, but the slithery, slimy “sins” seem to have oozed out of any “near R-rated” thriller. Their CGI tentacles and snake-like tongues could send the “wee ones” diving to the theatre floor particularly as Sivana unleashes them in a fancy business boardroom (little gore, but lotsa‘ screaming). Plus these “creepy crawlies’ are big players in the otherwise very satisfying finale (just think of the final episode of “Buffy”, you TV geeks). Speaking of which, the script from Henry Gayden (with a story assist from Darren Lemke), which relies heavily on the DC reboot from 2011, has some good twists and turns, and balances the action, comedy, and heart-tugging fairly evenly, though the flying fisticuffs over the city come close to MAN OF STEEL repetitive excess (the bit with Sivana shouting inaudible threats to Shazam from a mile away is LOL hilarious). And they’ve got several asides and nods to those Golden Age classic comics (an odd big bug in a case, alligator-men behind a door, several toy tigers, and news reporters from WHQZ-TV) as a bonus (plus two fun scenes intercut with some bouncy line-drawn end credits). Still, this is not an adaptation of those whimsy-filled fables that read almost like children’s’ bedtime stories next to the harder-edged superheroes like Batman. It’s set in gritty, real Philadelphia, not the squeaky-clean, glimmering Fawcett City. But considering the track record of the DC films (their last one, AQUAMAN, despite the gregarious Jason Momoa, was dull, over-cooked, CGI-infused cod), this is a vast improvement, closer to the breezy spirit of most of the Marvel Studios flicks. As we await the big ENDGAME (three weeks), the magical movie word is SHAZAM!
David F. Sandberg (“Annabelle: Creation”) directs New Line Cinema’s “Shazam!,” the origin story that stars Zachary Levi (TV’s “Chuck”) as the titular DC Super Hero, along with Mark Strong (the “Kingsman” movies) in the role of Super-Villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, and Asher Angel (TV’s “Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson. Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Conjuring” and “Annabelle” films) produced the film.
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).
SHAZAM! opens in theaters on April 5.
Enter for your chance to win two free passes to the St. Louis advance screening of SHAZAM!. The theatrical sneak preview will be on Monday, April 1 at 7pm.
Answer the following:
The Marvel Family, also known as The Shazam Family, are a group of superheroes who originally appeared in books published by Fawcett Comics, and were later acquired by DC Comics. Name the SIX members.
Add you name, answers and email address in our comments section below.
NO PURCHASE REQUIRED. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house.
The film has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material.
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Asher Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Zachary Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong).
“Shazam!” also stars Jack Dylan Grazer (“IT”) as Billy’s best friend and ultimate superhero enthusiast, Freddy Freeman. From the original trailer and this latest video, Grazer is sure to steal the movie when it’s released.
In the DC comics, for those keeping track, Shazam was the Wizard and Captain Marvel was the superhero.
“In addition, he is the leader of the Marvel Family, a team of heroes who have received powers the same way he has, including Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel, Jr.. After the wizard died, Batson took his position and guards the Rock of Eternity where the Seven Deadly Sins have been imprisoned. Throughout his career, he has been a member of the Justice League and the Justice Society of America. His successor to the position is Freddy Freeman, originally Captain Marvel Junior, formerly a teenage superhero and a member of the Outsiders and the Teen Titans. Captain Marvel was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck.”
“During the Trials of Shazam storyline, he graduated to becoming the new Captain Marvel. He has been a member of the Marvel Family, Outsiders, Teen Titans and Young Justice. In The New 52, Freddy Freeman is now known as Shazam, Jr.”
David F. Sandberg (“Annabelle: Creation”) directs New Line Cinema’s “Shazam!,” the origin story that stars Zachary Levi (TV’s “Chuck”) as the titular DC Super Hero, along with Asher Angel (TV’s “Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson, and Mark Strong (the “Kingsman” movies) in the role of Super-Villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Conjuring” and “Annabelle” films) serves as the film’s producer.
The cast also includes Mary, played by Grace Fulton (“Annabelle: Creation”); Darla, played by Faithe Herman (TV’s “This is Us”); Eugene, played by Ian Chen (TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat”); and Pedro, played by Jovan Armand (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”). Cooper Andrews (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and Marta Milans (TV’s “Killer Women”) play foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez, with Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond”) as the Wizard.
Firmly set in the DC universe but with his own distinctly fun, family-centric tone, the screenplay is by Henry Gayden, story by Gayden and Darren Lemke. Shazam was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. Christopher Godsick, Jeffrey Chernov, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia serve as executive producers.
Sandberg’s creative team includes his “Annabelle: Creation” director of photography Maxime Alexandre, production designer Jennifer Spence, editor Michel Aller and costume designer Leah Butler.
A New Line Cinema production, “Shazam!” is set for release on April 5, 2019. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Production is underway on New Line Cinema’s “Shazam!” David F. Sandberg (“Annabelle: Creation”) directs the origin story, which stars Zachary Levi (TV’s “Chuck”) as the titular DC Super Hero, along with Asher Angel (TV’s “Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson, and Mark Strong (the “Kingsman” movies) in the role of Super-Villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. Peter Safran (upcoming “Aquaman,” “The Conjuring” and “Annabelle” films) serves as the film’s producer.
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).
“Shazam!” also stars Jack Dylan Grazer (“IT”) as Billy’s best friend and ultimate superhero enthusiast, Freddy, part of the foster family that includes Mary, played by Grace Fulton (“Annabelle: Creation”); Darla, played by Faithe Herman (TV’s “This is Us”); Eugene, played by Ian Chen (TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat”); and Pedro, played by Jovan Armand (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”). Cooper Andrews (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and Marta Milans (TV’s “Killer Women”) play foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez, with Ron Cephas Jones (“This is Us”) as the Wizard.
Christopher Godsick, Jeffrey Chernov, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia are serving as executive producers.
Sandberg’s creative team includes his “Annabelle: Creation” director of photography Maxime Alexandre, production designer Jennifer Spence, editor Michel Aller and costume designer Leah Butler.
Set primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, principal photography for the film is taking place in Toronto.
Firmly set in the DC universe but with his own distinctly fun, family-centric tone, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics in 1940 and was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck.
A New Line Cinema production, “Shazam!” is set for release on April 5, 2019. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
