'Andi Mack's' Asher Angel Cast as Billy Batson in DC's 'Shazam!'

DC fans were sent into a frenzy a couple of weeks ago when Zachary Levi was announced to play the role of “Shazam!” Now, it looks like another bit good news will do the same as Asher Angel—who plays Jonah Beck in Disney’s “Andi Mack,”—has been officially cast as Billy Batson, the superhero’s kid counterpart.
After a few months of relative silence on the development of DC’s “Shazam!,” we’re now learning about how the movie will unfold little by little. David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation) is attached to direct the movie and is set to begin production in February 2018. In line with this, Sandberg also brought in Maxime Alexandre and Jennifer Spence—”Annabelle: Creation’s” cinematographer and production designer.

Asher’s casting was first reported by Variety. He joins Levi as the superhero himself, and Mark Strong as the unspecified villain. Grace Fulton will also play one of Billy’s friends.

‘Shazam’s’ tone: Will it be a part of the DCEU?

Given how Shazam’s character is made up of both a kid and a grownup, he is known to have the build of a man with the psyche of a child. Billy Batson, the hero’s real name, is an emotionally distant pre-teen who soon changes his ways when a wizard accidentally introduces him to a very powerful word that enables him to become “Shazam.” First introduced in 1940, the character went on to be one of the strongest superheroes in the DC Comics universe and ultimately, the Justice League (even going head to head with Superman in Alex Ross’ “Kingdom Come” storyline).

Although a DC character, it’s unclear is “Shazam!” will be part of the current timeline of the DC Extended Universe. ScreenRant reports that the movie might not be a part of the full slate of the DCEU. Shazam’s main villain, Black Adam, will be having his own movie (starring Dwayne Johnson) and won’t be appearing in the “Shazam!” movie. The film will also be released by New Line Cinema, Warner Bros.’ imprint, which means that it could be a DC movie that stands on its own—much like the rumored “The Joker” standalone film. Apart from that, “Shazam’s” tone will also differ from the current DCEU film slate, which suggests that he won’t be a part of the Justice League at some point.
But whatever the case may be, it’s still exciting to know that “Shazam!” is moving forward. Given the fresh talent that’s been cast in the film so far, things are looking good as far as theme and tone are concerned.
“Shazam!” is currently scheduled for an April 5, 2019 release.