The Biggest Surprise in Shazam! Was Kept Under Wraps Right Up Until Its Release
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Warning: Huge spoilers for Shazam! ahead.
For DC fans who have waited a long time for a truly fun comic book movie, Shazam! delivers on many levels. It's miles away from the achingly serious Batman v Superman and a bit more family-friendly than the R-rated Suicide Squad franchise. It's littered with DC references and fan moments, but one particular scene got everyone in my screening so excited that they broke out into whoops and applause. Fans of the comics were waiting for the inevitable moment when Billy Batson, in full superhero mode, gathered his new foster siblings, took hold of the wizard's magical staff, and together they said the immortal word — "Shazam!" — which would transform the whole family into their superhero selves.
The film's creators tried their best to keep the identities of the adult cast under wraps, and though some outlets did work it out before the release, for most people watching, this fun moment came as a sweet surprise. Keep reading to meet the newest members of the DC Universe: the Shazam Family. Together with Zachary Levi's Billy, these adult versions of his foster family share the superpowers bestowed upon them by the wizard Shazam: 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.
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Adam Brody as Freddy Freeman
Seth Cohen would be so proud! Adam joins the DC Universe playing the older superhero version of Freddy Freeman. In the early comic books, Freddy was a disabled newsboy who succeeded the original superhero, but in Shazam! he is based on the modern comic book version of the character, Billy's foster brother and best friend, who shares his powers. The younger version of the character is played by Jack Dylan Grazer.
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Meagan Good as Darla Dudley
Think Like a Man star Meagan Good shares the role of Darla Dudley with young actress Faithe Herman (who plays Annie in This is Us). Darla is Billy's youngest foster sibling, an energetic, talkative little girl who is desperate to be a good sister.
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Michelle Borth as Mary Bromfield
Though 22-year-old Grace Fulton is arguably old enough to play the grown-up version of her character, Mary Bromfield, in Shazam! her superhero alter ego is portrayed by Hawaii Five-O's Michelle Borth. In the original comic books, Mary was Billy's twin, but in the movie and in more recently comics she is Billy's eldest foster sibling, who is preparing to go to college.
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Ross Butler as Eugene Choi
Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why alumni Ross Butler joins the cast as the superhero alter-ego of Eugene, Billy's nerdy, video game-obsessed foster sibling. He shares the role with Fresh Off the Boat's Ian Chen.
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D.J. Cotrona as Pedro Pena
The Middle's Jovan Armand plays the younger Pedro, a shy, overweight teenager. With the powers of Shazam! he transforms into a superhero with super strength, portrayed by action star D.J. Cotrona.