FANCAST: SHAZAM
This has been on my PC for quite some time. My last fancast was a while back, so I decided to break the lull a bit. The fancast itself is the largest I’ve done till date (which, seeing that I’ve only done a grand total of three, isn’t saying much, but still).
It is quite a bit of writing to go, so let’s start right away.
First, my idea is for a prospective trilogy.
-The first movie would show the origin of both Captain Marvel and Black Adam, following closely the events of “
The Power of Shazam” graphic novel.
-The second will be about the foundation of the
Monster Society of Evil by Mister Mind and would involve some of the events taking place in the “The Power of Shazam” series like the origin of Mary Marvel’s and Freddy Freeman’s powers.
-The third would be surrounding the events of an approaching
Judgement Day with Blaze and Satanus returning to the Earth realm.
I wouldn’t mind a spin-off for Black Adam as an anti-hero either.
My choice for
director for this movie is the guy who made the darker Harry Potter movies towards the end,
David Yates. I think he has quite a grip on the concept of how to make magic work on celluloid without being outright cheesy and I think that is what a Shazam movie needs.
On to the cast then.
1.
CAPTAIN MARVEL/ SHAZAM- Owain Yeoman
As Seen in: The Mentalist
Age: 34; Height: 6’4”
CHARACTER BIO: The Wisdom of
Solomon, the Strength of
Hercules, the Stamina of
Atlas, the Power of
Zeus, the Courage of
Achilles and the Speed of
Mercury- elements that make up “
The World’s Mightiest Mortal”. Every time Billy Batson says the word
Shazam he is struck by a magic lightning bolt that transforms him into an adult superhero empowered with the abilities of these six archetypal figures, becoming the champion of good.
THE ACTOR: Owain Yeoman-Everyone knows this guy from the Mentalist and he is with reason one of the favourites for this role. He is a good enough actor from what I’ve seen of him, and completes the imposing physical likeness one needs for “The Big Red Cheese”. Brandon Molale may have the likeness but is hardly an actor, let alone someone who can carry a franchise. And Patrick Warburton is too old IMO.
2.
SHAZAM THE WIZARD - Terence Stamp
As Seen in: Superman II, Wanted.
Age: 74
CHARACTER BIO: The Egyptian Wizard Shazam is the one who gives our hero his powers. More than 3000 years old, he has been fighting the forces of evil for centuries. But now a withered soul, he seeks out Billy and passes on his powers to the young boy. He is also the one who gives Black Adam his powers centuries ago.
THE ACTOR: Terence Stamp- Zod returns to DC! I couldn’t frankly think of a better candidate then Stamp who has the charisma and the-should I say- eccentricity for the role.
3.
BILLY BATSON- Zachary Gordon
As Seen in: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Age: 14
CHARACTER BIO: A young Radio News reporter, his parents were archaeologists who were murdered when on an expedition. He is then left to the streets by his Uncle Ebenezer. He is the boy who is chosen by the Wizard to carry on his legacy.
THE ACTOR: Zachary Gordon- It was a contest in the end between Chandler Riggs of The Walking Dead and Zachary. I think since Billy is going to spend a considerable amount of time on screen, Zachary, who has more of a zing to his acting than Riggs, should get the part. Close one though.
4.
DOCTOR SIVANA- Jackie Earl Hayley
As Seen in- Watchmen, A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Age: 51; Height: 5’5”
CHARACTER BIO: He is the archenemy of Captain Marvel. Short, bald and insane, he holds a grudge against the world for shunning him and his inventions. He is the one who finances the expedition which ultimately leads to the death of Billy’s parents and the emergence of Black Adam.
THE ACTOR:Jackie Hayley-He has done enough to prove that he can play spooky old chap with élan. Just see Shutter Island. But Dr. Sivana is a much larger character than that. And going by Rorschach in Watchmen, Hayley has acting chops aplenty.
5.
THEO ADAM- Robert Knepper
As Seen in- Heroes (TV Series), Prison Break (TV Series).
Age: 53; Height: 5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: The man who kills the Batsons during the expedition and steals the artefact which bears the power of Black Adam and eventually transforms into the supervillain.
THE ACTOR: Knepper-He was the first actor that came to mind when I was reading about Theo Adam in The Power of Shazam. Not only because he bears a resemblance to how Adam is portrayed in the comic but also because he blew my mind away with the character of T-Bag in Prison Break. He could be the next “
not big superstar grabbing onto the performance of his life” kinda thing going on over here. I’m really looking forward to this happening!
6.
BLACK ADAM - Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
As Seen In- Faster, Fast Five
Age: 40; Height: 6’5”
CHARACTER BIO: The deadly and evil adversary of Captain Marvel and former apprentice of the Wizard Shazam and the last recipient of the powers of Shazam before Billy, he is corrupted by Blaze. Shazam defeats and traps him but he returns in the present world seeking revenge on the Wizard. Towards the end of the movie he’d reform into an anti-hero and seek out his love Isis.
Spin-off, anybody? THE ACTOR: The Rock- Do I really HAVE to explain this? The Rock says he wants to do the role. The millions (and millions) of the Rock’s fans and comic book enthusiasts want him to do the role. I should just know my role and shut my mouth!
7.
STERLING MORRIS- Robbie Coltrane
As Seen in- Harry Potter Series
Age: 62; Height: 6’1”
CHARACTER BIO: The President of WHIZCOM where Billy works.
THE ACTOR: Coltrane- Again, the primary reason for casting was appearance but he is a proper actor and has a history with WB. That always works, I guess.
8.
UNCLE DUDLEY -Danny DeVito
As Seen in- Batman Returns, L.A. Confidential
Age:67; Height:5’1”
CHARACTER BIO: A friend of Billy’s late parents, he looks out for Billy and tries to keep him out of trouble.
THE ACTOR: DeVito- It’s pretty simple this... its Danny freaking DeVito! And no, I do not want Uncle Marvel to be in the movie. I’d much rather have Uncle Dudley as an Aunt May sort of character in Billy’s life. DeVito looks the character obviously, has previous connections with WB and has a bit of a lull recently as far as roles in major films are concerned.
9.
MS. WORMWOOD -Sharon Gless
As Seen in- Burn Notice (TV Series)
Age:69
CHARACTER BIO:Billy’s stern English teacher and mother figure in Billy’s life.
THE ACTOR: Gless- Another influence in Billy’s life in a role quite similar to the one in Burn Notice. It’s not that major of a role but she’s probably own it anyway.
10.
TAWKY TAWNY -Sean Penn
As Seen in- Milk, Mystic River
Age:52; Height:5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: I like the version of Tawky Tawny shown in The Monster Society of Evil series. More a vagabond spirit than a talking tiger that is shown in The Power of Shazam.
THE ACTOR: Penn- The screen presence he would lend would be critical to make Tawky a memorable character. I would have probably preferred someone a tad older but I think Penn would strike the right cords with the character.
11.
MARY MARVEL/ MARY BROMFIELD- Jessica Lowndes
As Seen in- 90210
Age:23; Height: 5’5”
CHARACTER BIO: Mary Batson is Billy’s sister who is presumed missing after the Batsons are killed but has been adopted by the Bromfields. There are many versions of the character and no one is quite sure what her age should be. I tend to favour the version where she is a teenager.
THE ACTOR: Lowndes- Now, I may get some flak for this pick and probably the next one but the way I see it, the two (see below!) would make a perfect couple to go alongside Captain Marvel- actually they do become a couple later on in ‘The Power of Shazam’. She may not be looked at very favourably by some seeing that her biggest achievement till date is “
90210” but she fits a teenage Mary Marvel better than WW some have suggested elsewhere. And of course, she’s HOT!
12.
CAPT MARVEL J./FREDDY FREEMAN - Steven R. McQueen
As Seen in- Piranha
Age:24; Height: 5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: Freddy Freeman is a teenager who is saved by Captain Marvel after Captain Nazi attacks the car he and his grandfather are travelling in. His grandfather is killed by Captain Nazi and he too is almost killed but for the powers of Shazam which transforms him into Captain marvel Jr.
THE ACTOR: McQueen- Again as I said some would want a younger actor for the role but I think just one young actor should do otherwise it could get real goofy! I liked what I saw of him in Piranha and he should pass as an 18-19 year old. As mentioned before, there would be a romantic undertone to his relation with Mary.
13.
CLARENCE CHARLES BATSON - Owain Yeoman
CHARACTER BIO: Billy and Mary’s father who is an archaeologist and is killed towards the beginning.
THE ACTOR: Yeoman- Is supposed to look the same as Captain Marvel so, yeah.
14.
MARILYN BATSON - Carrie Anne Moss
As Seen in- The Matrix Trilogy, Memento
Age:45
CHARACTER BIO: Billy and Mary’s mother who is an archaeologist and is killed towards the beginning. Yeah, pretty much the same thing as the father.
THE ACTOR: Moss-Well, as you may have guessed, it’s not a major role and anybody could practically do it. But I just think she looks a bit like the illustration in
The Power of Shazam and is a recognisable face post Matrix.
15.
THE BROMFIELDS - Stephan Dillane and Elizabeth McGovern
As Seen in-
SD>Game of Thrones (TV Series) &
EMc>Clash of the Titans, Kick Ass
Age:
SD>55 &
EMc>51
CHARACTER BIO: Mary Batson’s adoptive parents.
THE ACTORS: Dillane/ EMc- These are not major roles in terms of screen time but the little I’ve seen of either, they’d really own the ‘caring parents’ side of the role.
16.
SEBASTIAN BATSON-Desmond Harrington
As Seen in- Dexter(TV Series)
Age:36; Height: 5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: Son of Ebenezer Batson and a ruthless enterprenuer, he is also Billy’s cousin but shows no kindness towards him.
THE ACTOR: Harrington- He looked like the character, really. And I like his role in Dexter and find at some level the “not my fault I did something wrong” attitude of his character Quinn can transpire into this role too.
17.
EBENEZER BATSON -Billy Bob Thornton
As Seen in- Faster
Age:57; Height: 6’0”
CHARACTER BIO: Billy’s adoptive parent and his nefarious uncle who threw Billy out to fend for himself as he enjoyed his brother’s money!
THE ACTOR: Thornton- Ideally, I should have gone with someone older but I decided to make use of Thornton’s withered appearance and ability to give a ruthless and powerful performance.
18.
MISTER MIND -Chris McCulloch
As Seen in- Venture Bros. (TV Series: voice)
CHARACTER BIO: A two-inch mind controlling worm from another dimension is also the leader of the Monster Society of Evil!
THE ACTOR: McCulloch- This guy was awesome in Venture Bros... I imagine him voicing Mister Mind in the tone of The Monarch, albeit a little more serious.
19.
GRANDPA FREEMAN -Malcolm McDowell
As Seen in- Halloween
Age:70
CHARACTER BIO: Fred Freeman’s father who dies by Captain Nazi’s hands who also cripples Fred.
THE ACTOR: McDowell- It’s a cameo and he looks just the illustration.
20.
CAPTAIN NAZI - Til Schweiger
As Seen in- Inglorious Basterds
Age:58; Height: 5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: One of Freddy Freeman’s arch enemies, he is responsible for Fred’s uncle’s death. He is also a chief member of the Monster Society of Evil.
THE ACTOR: Schweiger- He was absolutely mind blowing in Inglorious Basterds. I was going for Van Damme initially before I decided his enormous talent be the one to portray a complicated villain like Nazi!
21.
MADAME LIBERTY - Zoe Bell
As Seen in- Death Proof
Age:33; Height: 5’8”
CHARACTER BIO: Nazi’s right hand!
THE ACTOR: Bell- It’s a small role which is action centric more than dialogue centric. Thus Zoe shouldn’t be a bad option.
22.
SATANUS - Oded Fehr
As Seen in- Resident Evil, The Mummy
Age:41; Height: 6’2”
CHARACTER BIO: Half Demon son of the Wizard Shazam!
THE ACTOR: Fehr- Some want him for Black Adam and I don’ particularly mind that pick either. But since I favoured The Rock for the role, I think playing an emotionally bipolar demon would be right down his alley.
23.
BLAZE -Natasha Henstridge
As Seen in- Species, The Secret Circle (TV Series)
Age:38; Height: 5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: Half Demon daughter of the Wizard Shazam. She brings along the End of Days as she aspires of ruling Hell and Earth.
THE ACTOR: Henstridge- I haven’t seen her for a while now. Where is she? Honestly though, when I was reading the comic, Natasha’s Species character just popped into my mind and that basically was the reason I went for her- a whim if you may.
24.
DEANNA BARR- Jewel Staith
As Seen in- Firefly (TV Series)
Age:30; Height: 5’6”
CHARACTER BIO: Daughter of the Bullet Man Jim Barr, she is the love interest of the Cap’ but he feels guilty about the difference in age between her and Billy.
THE ACTOR: Staith- Just struck me as someone who could bring charm and innocence into the role. She has done the before.
25.
BEAUTIA SIVANA-Brooklyn Decker
As Seen in- Battleship
Age:25; Height: 5’9”
CHARACTER BIO: Daughter of Doctor Sivana. Smitten by the Cap’.
THE ACTOR: Decker- Around ‘coz she IS stunning more than anything else!
26.
ISIS-Gal Gadot
As Seen in- Fast Five
Age:27; Height: 5’9”
CHARACTER BIO: Black Adam’s long lost love. He goes in search of her in my intended spin-off on Adam.
THE ACTOR: Gadot- I dunno-I just think she is somehow good for the role! I just don’t know that many young hot actresses from the Middle-East/ Northern Africa who have become known actors in Hollywood!
27.
IBIS-Peter Mensah
As Seen in-Jason X, Spartacus (TV Series)
Age:53; Height: 6’3”
CHARACTER BIO: I dunno who he is- he just seemed to be around a lot! LOL. No, actually his story is quite similar to Black Adam’s. He’s a Shazam ally from the beginning, though.
THE ACTOR: Mensah- He does tough man roles, is a physical specimen and is visually similar to the character.
28.
’MUSCLES’ MCGINNIS- Woody Harrelson
As Seen in- The Hunger Games, Zombieland
Age:51; Height: 5’10”
CHARACTER BIO: An undercover cop and an ally to Captain Marvel and his efforts to bring crime down in Fawcett City!
THE ACTOR: Harrelson-I swear, I honestly think they imagined Woody when they drew the character back in the nineties!
29.
ARSON FEIND - Edward Furlong
As Seen in- T2: Judgement Day, American History X
Age:35; Height: 5’7”
CHARACTER BIO: A small time villain that has it in for Billy’s uncle Ebenezer and wants to kill him.
THE ACTOR: Furlong- He has been a bit off the radar recently but I’m dedicating this choice to that beautiful summer of ’91!
30.
IBAC- Vinnie Jones
As Seen in- X-Men, Snatch
Age:47; Height: 6’2”
CHARACTER BIO: A muscled superpowered brute sent by Blaze to fight Captain Marvel.
THE ACTOR: Jones- He’s made a career playing big tough guy and this should be more of the same.
That’s all folks. Please sound off below on what you think.
In case you missed any of my previous fancasts, you are invited to check them out through the links below.
SEE ALSO: FANCAST- Defenders of the Earth FANCAST- Masters of the Universe FANCAST- Centurions!