Dwayne Johnson Teases DC Comic’s Shazam As His Super Hero Role
Dwayne Johnson has starred in more than his share of action movies, but you won’t believe what DC Comic superhero he teased as an upcoming announcement in a recent interview for Hercules. He could have 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. Take the first letter of each of those names and you’ve got Shazam!
“DC [Comics] and I have been talking for a couple of years now about trying to find whatever the right character is,” Johnson told Total Film in an interview. “Who is the right character? And, it’s also tricky too because there’s baggage, and it’s good baggage, that I have. I am a certain way and my wiring is my wiring and my DNA is my DNA. When I step on set and on-screen I’m aware of what I’m able to bring to a character and so is DC [Comics] too. So it’s not the easiest thing.”
Johnson said that when he talks with fan boys they get into discussions about which characters he could play in the DC Comic universe. He was, in fact, tied to play the anti-hero Lobo in movie two years ago before that project entered limbo and Johnson moved on to play Hercules.
In the past, there have also been discussions about Johnson playing Black Adam or the Green Lantern, John Stewart. However, Black Adam is more of a villain and a John Stewart Green Lantern is less likely following the disappointment of the Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern film. This would necessitate a reboot of the character as part of the new Batman V Superman direction that DC Comics is taking.
“There’s a character out there that we’re going to announce very soon that I’m going to play. This character has the power of Superman, he can throw down. Just say the word. That’s all I’m going to say,” Johnson said with a knowing smile on his face.
The only DC Comic super hero that has the power of Superman and just has to say a word is Shazam. Originally named Captain Marvel, the golden age comic superhero was picked up by DC Comics in the early 1970s. He was later re-introduced as part of the New 52 reboot for DC Comics entire line in 2011.
The constant with the character is that a young boy named Billy Batson encounters a wizard and is granted the super-strength, speed, and flight of Shazam by saying “Shazam!” and transforming into the magic-based being.
If true, this means that Johnson will likely split screen time with a younger actor who will plays Billy Batson. There’s also the question of whether this will be a stand-alone film or will Shazam be introduced as part of a Justice League movie.
What do you think of Johnson’s tease at playing Shazam? Is that a good casting choice or would he be better suited for another DC Comics super hero?
[Images via Ethan Miller/Getty Images, DC Comics]
