While actors likeLaurence Fishburneare crossing the streams by playing characters in both the Marvel and DC cinematic universes, it appearsMark Strongis keen on having a go at playing two characters from the same comic book company. PerThe Wrap, theGreen Lanternactor is in talks to play the DC Comics villain Doctor Sivana in New Line Cinema’s upcomingShazam. The DCEU film recently setZachary Leviin the lead role, as the story revolves around a young boy who transforms into a mighty superhero simply by uttering the magic word “Shazam!”.
Strong played the supporting character of Sinestro in Warner Bros.’ 2011Green Lanternmovie, with a post-credits scene setting up his character as a villain in a future sequel. This was before Warner Bros. had established an interconnected universe of DC movies, and that film was only intended to kick off a franchise of its own. But due to poor reviews and underwhelming box office, a follow-up never got off the ground.
Strong’sGreen Lanternco-starRyan Reynoldsmade the jump to 20th Century Fox’s Marvel universe just fine as he’s now the star of the bona fide blockbuster franchiseDeadpool, so it’s possible Strong gets the success he was hoping for withShazam.Lights OutandAnnabelle: CreationdirectorDavid F. Sandbergis at the helm of the DCEU movie, which is due to start filming in early 2018.
The comics character of Doctor Sivana was a respected and brilliant scientist who breaks bad over, well, dumb circumstances. But the overall gist is that in the DC comics, Sivana is the one who deduces boy radio broadcaster Billy Batson as the alter ego of Shazam/Captain Marvel, so he poses a threat to the kid’s real life. That’s likely how he’ll come into play in what will serve as an introductory film in theShazamfranchise.
ABlack Adammovieis concurrently in development withDwayne Johnsonplaying tha DC Comics character who is most famously known as the main adversary of Shazam. When that crossover orBlack Adammovie happens is unclear, but it sounds like Sivana is being teed up as Shazam’s first adversary.
Shazamhas no official release date but will likely hit theaters in 2019.
UPDATE:Varietyreports that Sandberg has recruitedAnnabelle: CreationstarGrace Fultonto join the cast as one of Batson’s friends. Details of her role are still under wraps.
