Following the casting of Zachary Levi as Shazam, now the casting for the young Billy Batson has become known.
15-year-old Asher Angel, known for the Disney Channel series Andi Mack, will star in Shazam! as Billy Batson opposite Levi (via Variety).
Director David. F. Sandberg and Zachary Levi took to Instagram to congratulate the young actor:
“I was hoping to break the news about @asherdovangel last week with this photo but had to wait a bit,” Sandberg posted.
The character of Billy Batson is described as:
Unlike most foster children, Billy Batson couldn’t care less about finding a family. He just wants to turn eighteen and finally become an adult. While the boy’s compassionate and kind, he’s gotten used to protecting himself by staying emotionally distant from everybody. But that changes when he meets an ancient wizard who introduces him to one very powerful word.
Just by saying SHAZAM!, Billy is transformed into a magical flying adult superhero, one with the genius of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the unbreakable will of Atlas, the lightning blasts of Zeus, the power of Achilles and the speed of Mercury. But gaining the power of the gods means inheriting their enemies too. With the abilities of the world’s mightiest mortal, Billy will have to struggle with magical threats as well as his own youthful naïveté. To truly tap into his power, this orphan who’s always kept people at arm’s length will have to learn what family really is.
Mark Strong is also in talks for the villain role in Shazam!, and Grace Fulton is said to be playing a friend to Billy Batson.
David F. Sandberg directs, with Shazam! looking to film soon for its April 2019 release.
