Shazam! (film)

In 1974 in Upstate New York, young Thaddeus Sivana is riding in a car with his abusive father and elder brother Sid during a snowstorm, being mocked and verbally harassed by them constantly. He is suddenly transported to the Rock of Eternity, a mystic temple located in another dimension.

There, Thaddeus meets the ancient wizard Shazam, who has spent centuries searching for someone pure of heart upon whom to bestow his powers and name as champion after his previous one{{efn|Identified offscreen as Teth-Adam.}} unleashed the Seven Deadly Sins. Thaddeus is tempted by the Sins, who promise him power if he frees them. The wizard deems Thaddeus unworthy so magically returns him to the car. His frustration and confusion leads to a crash, resulting in his father becoming paraplegic and even more resentful towards him. The Sins send Thaddeus a message via his 8-Ball toy, telling him to find them.

In present-day Fawcett City, Philadelphia, 14-year-old foster child Billy Batson continually runs away from foster homes to search for his birth mother, whom he has been seeking ever since being separated from her at a carnival 10 years ago. He locks some police officers in a store to use their computer to locate her, but is unsuccessful. A social worker places Billy in a group home run by Víctor and Rosa Vásquez. They both had been in the system and have five other foster children: "den mother" Mary Bromfield, shy Pedro Peña, obsessive gamer Eugene Choi, energetic Darla Dudley, and superhero enthusiast Freddy Freeman.

Elsewhere, an embittered Sivana succeeds in his lifelong quest to return to the Rock of Eternity. He becomes the Sins' vessel when the Eye fuses itself with his body and overpowers the wizard. He promptly uses his newfound powers to kill his father, Sid, and Sivana Industries' board of directors.

Billy defends Freddy from bullies at school and is pursued into a subway car, where he is transported to the Rock of Eternity. The wizard chooses him as his new champion; by saying "Shazam," Billy transforms into an adult superhero. The wizard seemingly dies and leaves his magical staff behind.

Freddy is taken into Billy's confidence and helps him explore his newfound powers, which include superhuman strength, near-invulnerability, superspeed, and electrokinesis. By saying "Shazam" again, he can return to his normal body. Freddy posts viral videos of the new superhero, and Billy starts skipping school to use his powers to busk for money and fame. He gets into an argument with Freddy after accidentally endangering, then saving, a bus full of people.

Sivana arrives and demands that Billy surrender his powers. Billy discovers he can fly and escapes. He learns his biological mother's location and visits her, only to be heartbroken upon learning she abandoned him at the carnival intentionally after feeling inadequate as a teenage mother and no longer wanting him in her life.

Sivana deduces Billy's identity and takes his foster siblings hostage; Billy agrees to transfer his powers to him in exchange for their safety. They go to the Rock of Eternity to use the wizard's staff to effect the transfer, but the children attack Sivana. Billy observes that Sivana becomes vulnerable when all seven Sins leave his body. Sivana pursues them to a winter carnival and unleashes the Sins upon the crowd. Remembering the wizard's words, Billy uses the staff to share his powers with his foster siblings, transforming them into adult superheroes like him before he breaks the staff in half. The Shazam Family battles against the Sins while Billy faces down Sivana. He goads Envy into leaving Sivana powerless and recaptures the Sins after forcefully pulling the Eye out of Sivana's head. Billy and his foster siblings are hailed as heroes.

Returning the Sins to their prison, they realize they can use the Rock of Eternity as their superhero headquarters. Billy finally accepts his foster parents and siblings as his "real" family. In his superhero form, he has lunch with his siblings at school, revealing to Freddy's surprise that he has also invited Superman.

In a mid-credits scene, the imprisoned Sivana is approached by a talking caterpillar{{efn|Identified offscreen as Mister Mind.}} who proposes an alliance. The post-credits scene features a silly banter between Shazam and Freddy.

{{Further|List of DC Extended Universe cast members|Characters of the DC Extended Universe}}

• Zachary Levi and Asher Angel as Billy Batson / Shazam: A 14-year-old boy and the champion of the wizard with whom he shares his name and the superhero alter-ego of Billy Batson, who possesses "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".
• David Kohlsmith plays the four-year-old Billy.
• Mark Strong as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana: A scientist who was turned down as a potential champion and subsequently estranged from his family, who becomes a host for the Seven Deadly Sins and Shazam's nemesis. Strong previously portrayed Sinestro in the 2011 film Green Lantern, making Shazam! his second appearance in a film based on DC Comics characters.
• Ethan Pugiotto plays the young Thaddeus.{{cite news |last1=Ehrlich |first1=David |title='Shazam!' Review: DC Surprises with One of the Most Fun Superhero Movies Ever Made |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/03/shazam-movie-review-1202052656/ |work=IndieWire |date=March 23, 2019 |access-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330103256/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/03/shazam-movie-review-1202052656/ |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |url-status=live }}
• Jack Dylan Grazer as Frederick "Freddy" Freeman: Billy's physically disabled foster brother and a fan of superheroes, who mentors Billy on the use of his newfound powers.
• Adam Brody plays the character's adult superhero form.{{cite web|last=Hood|first=Cooper|date=December 6, 2017|title=IT's Jack Dylan Grazer Joins DC's Shazam!|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-it-jack-dylan-grazer-cast/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724154108/https://screenrant.com/shazam-it-jack-dylan-grazer-cast/|archive-date=July 24, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2020|website=Screen Rant}}
• Djimon Hounsou as Shazam: The last surviving member of the Council of Wizards, who has spent centuries summoning people to his temple, the Rock of Eternity, in search of a "pure of heart" champion to whom he can pass on his extraordinary faculties.{{cite magazine|last=Hibberd|first=James|url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/07/10/djimon-hounsou-shazam-wizard/|title=DC's Shazam! casts Guardians actor Djimon Hounsou as the Wizard|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109073132/https://ew.com/movies/2018/07/10/djimon-hounsou-shazam-wizard/|archive-date=January 9, 2020|url-status=live}} Hounsou previously voiced King Ricou of the Fisherman in the DCEU film Aquaman (2018).
• Faithe Herman as Darla Dudley: Billy's good-natured younger foster sister.
• Meagan Good plays the character's adult superhero form.
• Grace Fulton as Mary Bromfield: Billy's mature, academically driven older foster sister.
• Michelle Borth plays the character's adult superhero form.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jenna|date=February 5, 2018|title='Shazam!': Grace Fulton Confirmed for Mary Marvel|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/05/shazam-movie-2019-grace-fulton-character-mary-marvel/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630010251/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/05/shazam-movie-2019-grace-fulton-character-mary-marvel/|archive-date=June 30, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2020|website=Comicbook.com}}
• Ian Chen as Eugene Choi: Billy's younger foster brother, an obsessive gamer and techie.
• Ross Butler plays the character's adult superhero form.{{Cite web|last=Bentley|first=Jean|title=Surprise! Your Fav "OC" & "Riverdale" Alums Are In "Shazam"|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/04/228836/who-is-the-superhero-family-in-shazam-brothers-sisters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406092321/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/04/228836/who-is-the-superhero-family-in-shazam-brothers-sisters|archive-date=April 6, 2019|access-date=April 6, 2019|website=Refinery29|date=March 6, 2019 |language=en}}
• Jovan Armand as Pedro Peña: Billy's older foster brother, a shy, sensitive boy who has trouble opening up.{{cite magazine|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=December 12, 2017|title=Ian Chen & Jovan Armand Join Shazam|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/ian-chen-jovan-armand-shazam-brian-astro-bradley-jr-luce-1202225185/ |url-status=live|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010829/http://deadline.com/2017/12/ian-chen-jovan-armand-shazam-brian-astro-bradley-jr-luce-1202225185/ |archive-date=December 13, 2017|access-date=December 12, 2017}}
• D. J. Cotrona plays the character's adult superhero form.
• Marta Milans as Rosa Vásquez: The foster mother of Billy and his siblings.{{Cite web|last=Dumaraog|first=Ana|date=January 23, 2018|title=Shazam Casts No Tomorrow's Marta Milans|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-cast-marta-milans/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203103834/https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-cast-marta-milans/|archive-date=February 3, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2020|website=Screen Rant}}
• Cooper Andrews as Víctor Vásquez: The foster father of Billy and his siblings.{{cite web|last=Ridgely|first=Charlie|date=February 6, 2018|title='The Walking Dead's Cooper Andrews' 'Shazam!' Role Revealed|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/06/shazam-cooper-andrews-walking-dead-role-revealed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718214834/http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/06/shazam-cooper-andrews-walking-dead-role-revealed|archive-date=July 18, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2020|website=Comicbook.com}}

The film also features John Glover as Thaddeus Sivana's estranged father and CEO of Sivana Industries.{{cite web|date=March 10, 2019|title=Smallville's John Glover Reveals His Secret Shazam! Role|url=https://www.cbr.com/smallvilles-john-glover-shazam-role/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327024212/https://www.cbr.com/smallvilles-john-glover-shazam-role/|archive-date=March 27, 2019|access-date=March 27, 2019|website=Comic Book Resources|language=en-US}} Glover had starred in other DC Comics series and films: Batman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, and Superman: The Animated Series as The Riddler; Dr. Jason Woodrue in the 1997 film Batman and Robin; and Lionel Luthor in Smallville. Natalia Safran was cast as Thaddeus' mother, though her scenes were cut from the film. Caroline Palmer portrays Marilyn Batson, Billy's biological mother. Wayne Ward and Landon Doak portray Sid Sivana, Thaddeus' bullying brother as an adult and a teenager, respectively. Carson MacCormac and Evan Marsh portray Brett and Burke Breyer, bullies at the children's school.{{Cite web|last=Donahue|first=Michael|date=April 1, 2019|title=Former Memphian Writes Shazam! Screenplay|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2019/04/01/former-memphian-writes-shazam-screenplay|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422225357/https://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2019/04/01/former-memphian-writes-shazam-screenplay|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019|website=Memphis Flyer}}

Director David F. Sandberg makes cameo appearances performing as each of the three Crocodile-Men (collaboratively assisted by Steve Newburn and Ned Morill), and provides the voice of the alien lifeform Mister Mind during a mid-credits sequence.{{Cite web|last=Patches|first=Matt|date=April 5, 2019|title=Shazam director reveals the voice behind his post-credits scene tease|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/4/5/18295706/shazam-post-credit-scene-sequel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406092908/https://www.polygon.com/2019/4/5/18295706/shazam-post-credit-scene-sequel|archive-date=April 6, 2019|access-date=April 6, 2019|website=Polygon}} Sandberg's wife, actress Lotta Losten, portrays Dr. Lynn Crosby; a researcher working with Dr. Sivana, who is killed by him.{{cite web|last1=Peris|first1=Sebastian|date=March 22, 2019|title='Shazam!' Star Lotta Losten Reveals First Look at Her Character Dr. Lynn Crosby|url=https://heroichollywood.com/shazam-lotta-losten-character-revealed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414001358/https://heroichollywood.com/shazam-lotta-losten-character-revealed/|archive-date=April 14, 2019|access-date=April 4, 2019 |website=Heroic Hollywood }}{{unreliable source?|sure=yes|date=February 2023}} Sound designer Bill R. Dean has an uncredited cameo, providing the voice for a Batman toy,{{cite web|title=New Batman Toy Voice Actor In 'Shazam!' Revealed|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/11/new-batman-toy-voice-actor-in-shazam-revealed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090316/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/11/new-batman-toy-voice-actor-in-shazam-revealed/|archive-date=March 27, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2019|website=Comicbook.com|date=March 11, 2019 |language=en-US}} while Ryan Hadley, Zachary Levi's stunt double, appears uncredited as a body double for Superman. Hadley's appearance is a silent cameo, where the character is only seen from the neck down, due to Henry Cavill being unavailable to film the scene.{{Cite web|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=April 5, 2019|title='Shazam!' Director David F. Sandberg Talks Going Horror To Superhero And Bringing Inclusivity To Family Narrative|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-david-f-sandberg-director-inclusive-dc-comics-warner-bros-1202588927/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406092320/https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-david-f-sandberg-director-inclusive-dc-comics-warner-bros-1202588927/|archive-date=April 6, 2019|access-date=April 6, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood}} Executive producer Dwayne Johnson's likeness is used for the mystically generated holograph of Teth-Adam, which the wizard Shazam conjures while teaching Billy the history of the Rock of Eternity, the Seven Realms of Magic, and his previous Champion,{{Cite web|date=April 5, 2019|title=Shazam! Does Feature THAT Cameo After All (Well, Sort of)|url=https://www.cbr.com/shazam-movie-black-adam-appearance/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412135443/https://www.cbr.com/shazam-movie-black-adam-appearance/|archive-date=April 12, 2019|access-date=November 28, 2019|website=Comic Book Resources}} teased ahead of Johnson's appearance as the character in Black Adam.

The Seven Deadly Sins – a supernatural team of villains consisting of the demons Pride, Envy, Greed, Lust, Wrath, Gluttony, and Sloth – were portrayed by stunt doubles in motion capture suits on-set during filming, and depicted on-screen through CGI special effects.{{cite magazine |last=Graham |first=Jamie |date=January 2019 |title=Super Size Me |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/film/total-film-magazine-back-issues/total-film-january-2019-issue-281/ |magazine=Total Film |location=pp. 52–61 |publisher=Future Publishing Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091748/https://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/film/total-film-magazine-back-issues/total-film-january-2019-issue-281/ |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |url-status=live }} Their voices were collectively provided by actors Steve Blum, Darin De Paul, and Fred Tatasciore;{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-facts-trivia-seven-deadly-sins/|title=Shazam: 10 Things Everyone Missed About The Seven Deadly Sins|date=May 9, 2020|first=Paolo|last=Alfar|website=Screen Rant|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221143726/https://screenrant.com/shazam-facts-trivia-seven-deadly-sins/|archive-date=December 21, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=December 21, 2020}} Tatasciore previously voiced the Seven Sins in the direct-to-video Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High. In an Easter egg appearance, Andi Osho reprises her role as social worker Emma Glover from Sandberg's debut film Lights Out.{{cite web|title='Shazam!' & Horror Flick 'Lights Out' Share Same Cinematic Universe, Apparently|url=https://www.cbr.com/shazam-lights-out-share-same-cinematic-universe/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165139/https://www.cbr.com/shazam-lights-out-share-same-cinematic-universe/|archive-date=June 17, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|website=Comic Book Resources|date=June 9, 2018 |language=en-US}}{{cite web|title=Credits|url=https://www.andiosho.co.uk/credits/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210602/https://www.andiosho.co.uk/credits/|archive-date=November 3, 2018|access-date=November 2, 2018|website=Andi Osho|date=August 29, 2018 |language=en-US}}

New Line Cinema began development of a Shazam! live-action feature film in the early 2000s, with multiple screenplay drafts, by William Goldman, the team of Alec Sokolow and Joel Cohen, Bryan Goluboff, and John August. The version of the Shazam! script written by August, which went into pre-production in 2008, was an action-comedy which focused on the origin story of the hero, then known by his original name of Captain Marvel, and his young alter ego, Billy Batson. Peter Segal was attached as director{{cite web | url=http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4376&Itemid=99 | title=Exclusive: Peter Segal's Shazam Gets a New Title! | work=IESB.net | date=February 23, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229074644/http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4376&Itemid=99 | archive-date=February 29, 2008 | access-date=December 21, 2017 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} and Dwayne Johnson was in talks to appear as the film's villain, Black Adam.

New Line Cinema was absorbed into Warner Bros., a larger film studio also owned at the time by Time Warner,{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Kenneth |date=2008-02-29 |title=Time Warner puts New Line Cinema under Warner Bros |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-timewarner-newline-idUSN2862363520080229 |access-date=2021-05-11 |website=Reuters |language=en |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512060314/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-timewarner-newline-idUSN2862363520080229 |url-status=live }} during the course of development. Following the success of Warner's Batman film The Dark Knight and the commercial failure of its lighter, family-friendly Speed Racer, both during the summer of 2008,{{cite web|last=August|first=John|title=Shazam! It ain't happening.|url=https://johnaugust.com/2009/shazam-done|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005359/https://johnaugust.com/2009/shazam-done|archive-date=February 12, 2018|access-date=July 26, 2018|website=John August|date=January 5, 2009 |language=en}} August departed from the project, citing pressure from the studio to make the screenplay darker and more serious.{{cite web|last=Seijas|first=Casey|date=January 6, 2009|title='Shazam!' Screenwriter On Film Development: 'It Won't Be Happening'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2593374/shazam-screenwriter-on-film-development-it-wont-be-happening/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424135504/http://www.mtv.com/news/2593374/shazam-screenwriter-on-film-development-it-wont-be-happening/|archive-date=April 24, 2019|access-date=March 7, 2019|work=MTV News}} In August 2009, Bill Birch and Geoff Johns, a prominent DC Comics writer, were assigned to write the screenplay, while Segal remained attached as director.{{cite web|last=McNary|first=Dave|author-link=Dave McNary|date=August 19, 2009|title=Bill Birch to write 'Shazam!' reboot|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/bill-birch-to-write-shazam-reboot-1118007487/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416191130/https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/bill-birch-to-write-shazam-reboot-1118007487/|archive-date=April 16, 2019|access-date=March 8, 2019|work=Variety}} In August 2010, the studio considered canceling the theatrical film in favor of a live-action series for prime time network television.{{cite web | url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/captain-marvel-dc-shazam.html | work=Los Angeles Times | title=Captain Marvel Takes Flight But Will He Ever Reach the Big Screen | first=Geoff | last=Boucher | access-date=August 20, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206052206/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/captain-marvel-dc-shazam/ | archive-date=December 6, 2013 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all | date=August 6, 2010 }} In December 2013, Segal stated that the film would not be happening, as the similarities between Captain Marvel and Superman had become an obstacle after the successful launch of Man of Steel earlier that year.{{cite web|date=December 23, 2013|title=Interview: Director Peter Segal Steps Into the Ring for Grudge Match|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=112833|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705042214/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=112833|archive-date=July 5, 2014|access-date=August 20, 2014|website=Comingsoon.net}}

While the film was in development limbo, DC Comics rebooted the comic book franchise as part of their New 52 relaunch in 2012. Due to the trademark conflicts with Marvel Comics, who owned the trademark for "Captain Marvel" for use with their own character of the same name,{{cite web|author=Smith, Zack|date=December 30, 2010|title=An Oral History of CAPTAIN MARVEL: The Lost Years, pt. 3|url=http://www.newsarama.com/6759-an-oral-history-of-captain-marvel-the-lost-years-pt-3.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219044853/http://www.newsarama.com/6759-an-oral-history-of-captain-marvel-the-lost-years-pt-3.html|archive-date=December 19, 2013|access-date=September 11, 2014|work=Newsarama}} DC renamed their Captain Marvel superhero character "Shazam" at this time when the New 52 started.{{cite web|date=January 26, 2012|title=Exclusive: GEOFF JOHNS Hopes Lightning Strikes SHAZAM!|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/geoff-johns-curse-of-shazam-120126.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407034640/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/geoff-johns-curse-of-shazam-120126.html|archive-date=April 7, 2013|access-date=July 8, 2015|website=Newsarama}} DC had been required to market and promote the character using the trademark Shazam!, since acquiring the publishing rights from Fawcett Comics in 1972.{{cite web|last1=Bricken|first1=Rob|title=The Captain Marvel/Ms. Marvel/Shazam Clusterf*ck Explained|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-captain-marvel-ms-marvel-shazam-clusterf-ck-explai-1251423862|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131040940/https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-captain-marvel-ms-marvel-shazam-clusterf-ck-explai-1251423862|archive-date=January 31, 2018|access-date=December 5, 2017|website=Gizmodo|date=September 4, 2013 }} Captain Marvel had originated at Fawcett in 1939, but fell into limbo after 1953 following a long legal battle with DC over Captain Marvel's similarities to Superman.{{cite web | url=http://comicbookads.leafpublishing.com/hall-of-covers/whiz99.htm | title=The World's Mightiest Mortal and Big Red Cheese | work=The Museum of Comic Book Advertising | access-date=June 17, 2005 | quote=In 1953, the case was finally settled out of court when Fawcett agreed to quit using the Captain Marvel character(s) and pay DC the sum of $400,000. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113052512/http://comicbookads.leafpublishing.com/hall-of-covers/whiz99.htm | archive-date=January 13, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}

In April 2014, Warner Bros. revealed their upcoming slate of films based on DC Comics properties: Shazam!, Metal Men, Fables, and 100 Bullets.{{cite web|date=April 28, 2014|title=Justice League, Fables, 100 Bullets, Metal Men & Shazam Films Revealed|url=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/justice-league-fables-100-bullets-fables-shazam-films-revealed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429230156/http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/justice-league-fables-100-bullets-fables-shazam-films-revealed/|archive-date=April 29, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2014|website=SciFiNow}} The Shazam! film was tentatively set for release in July 2016.{{Cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=June 12, 2014 |title=Warner Bros. may release seven DC Comics movies in two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/12/5805310/dc-movie-universe-for-comic-con |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211019130716/https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/12/5805310/dc-movie-universe-for-comic-con |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |website=The Verge}} Dwayne Johnson stated he would be starring in Shazam! that August, but was undecided between portraying Shazam or Black Adam.{{cite magazine|last=McNary|first=Dave|author-link=Dave McNary|date=August 19, 2014|title=Dwayne Johnson Says He'll Play Role in 'Shazam'|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/dwayne-johnson-shazam-1201286278/|url-status=live|magazine=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709151459/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/dwayne-johnson-shazam-1201286278/|archive-date=July 9, 2015|access-date=August 20, 2014}} In September, Johnson was cast as Black Adam, while Darren Lemke was set to write the script.{{cite magazine|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=September 3, 2014|title=Dwayne Johnson to Play Black Adam in New Line's 'Shazam,' Darren Lemke To Script|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/dwayne-johnson-to-play-black-adam-in-shazam-darren-lemke-to-script-exclusive-1201294338/|url-status=live|magazine=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905071051/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/dwayne-johnson-to-play-black-adam-in-shazam-darren-lemke-to-script-exclusive-1201294338/|archive-date=September 5, 2014|access-date=September 3, 2014}} In January 2017, Henry Gayden was hired to rewrite Lemke's script.{{cite magazine|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=January 19, 2017|title=Dwayne Johnson's DC Villain Black Adam Getting His Own Movie|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dwayne-johnsons-dc-villain-black-adam-getting-his-own-movie-966008|url-status=live|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206140831/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dwayne-johnsons-dc-villain-black-adam-getting-his-own-movie-966008|archive-date=December 6, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2018}} In February 2017, David F. Sandberg was in talks with the studio to direct Shazam!,{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|author-link=Dave McNary|date=February 17, 2017|title='Shazam': Superhero Movie Eyes 'Lights Out' Director|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/shazam-movie-lights-out-director-david-sandberg-1201991635/|url-status=live|access-date=July 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713123356/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/shazam-movie-lights-out-director-david-sandberg-1201991635/|archive-date=July 13, 2017}} while Dwayne Johnson was set to star in a Black Adam solo film, as opposed to appearing as the villain in Shazam!,{{cite web|last=Hood|first=Cooper|date=July 21, 2017|title=Dwayne Johnson Won't Be in Shazam, Confirms Geoff Johns|url=https://screenrant.com/dwayne-johnson-no-black-adam-shazam-geoff-johns/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725000644/http://screenrant.com/dwayne-johnson-no-black-adam-shazam-geoff-johns/|archive-date=July 25, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2017|website=Screen Rant}} while Doctor Sivana, another nemesis of Shazam, became the Shazam! film's main villain.{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-mark-strong-talks-villain-role-1054332|title='Shazam!': Mark Strong in Talks for Villain Role|date=November 2, 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103015217/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-mark-strong-talks-villain-role-1054332|archive-date=November 3, 2017|url-status=live}} Sandberg was also approached to direct Venom for Sony Pictures, but Sandberg finally decided to direct Shazam! rather than Venom due to the former's crew consisting of several people Sandberg had worked with at New Line Cinema.{{Cite web |last=Burlingame |first=Russ |date=September 6, 2022 |title=Shazam! Director David F. Sandberg Almost Made a Surprising Marvel Movie |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/shazam-david-f-sandberg-almost-directed-venom/ |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=ComicBook.com |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907021856/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/shazam-david-f-sandberg-almost-directed-venom/ |url-status=live }}

By July 2017, the studio had begun active development on Shazam! and Sandberg was confirmed as director, with production to begin in early 2018.{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=July 20, 2017|title='Shazam!' Is Next DC Movie to Shoot (Exclusive)|language=en|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-is-next-dc-movie-shoot-1022821|url-status=live|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722071311/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-is-next-dc-movie-shoot-1022821|archive-date=July 22, 2017}} Dwayne Johnson relayed that a different creative team was now involved than when he first signed on to the film.{{cite web|last=Leane|first=Rob|date=December 16, 2017|title=The Rock Wishes Shazam Team 'Best of Luck'|url=https://screenrant.com/dwayne-johnson-black-adam-shazam-movies/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122416/https://screenrant.com/dwayne-johnson-black-adam-shazam-movies/|archive-date=December 8, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2017|website=Screen Rant}} After being cast as the lead, Zachary Levi stated in an interview, "the idea is that it's gonna feel like the movie Big, but with super powers," when was asked about the direction DC Films and New Line Cinema are going for with Shazam!{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1838370/zachary-levi-compares-shazam-to-a-classic-tom-hanks-movie|title=Zachary Levi Compares Shazam to a Classic Tom Hanks Movie|last=Holmes|first=Adam|date=January 10, 2018|publisher=CinemaBlend|access-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091322/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1838370/zachary-levi-compares-shazam-to-a-classic-tom-hanks-movie|archive-date=January 30, 2018|url-status=live}} Warner Bros. stated that the film would be based on the 2012–2013 Shazam! backup feature from the Justice League comic book, by writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank,{{cite web|date=June 11, 2018|title=Geoff Johns to Expand Creative Role Becoming a Full-time Writer/Producer for Film, Television and More; Exclusive to DC and Warner Bros.|url=https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/geoff-johns-expand-creative-role-becoming-full-time-writerproducer-film-television|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614151940/https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/geoff-johns-expand-creative-role-becoming-full-time-writerproducer-film-television|archive-date=June 14, 2018|access-date=June 12, 2018|work=Warner Bros. Entertainment}} which told a modernized version of Shazam's origin.{{cite web|date=February 5, 2018|title=Production Starts on New Line Cinema's Magical Super Hero Action Adventure "Shazam!"|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180205006016/en/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208195750/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180205006016/en/|archive-date=February 8, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Business Wire}}

In August 2017, director David F. Sandberg stated that the film would be the next to shoot in the DC universe,{{cite web |last=Peris |first=Sebastian |date=August 16, 2017 |title='Shazam' Director Says Earlier Versions of the Script Featured Black Adam |website =Heroic Hollywood |url=https://heroichollywood.com/shazam-earlier-script-black-adam/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909095302/https://heroichollywood.com/shazam-earlier-script-black-adam/ |archive-date=September 9, 2017}}{{unreliable source?|sure=yes|date=February 2023}} and by the end of the month, it had begun pre-production.{{cite web|last=Auger|first=Andrew|date=August 29, 2017|title=Shazam! Has Officially Begun Pre-Production|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-casting-filming/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902092820/http://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-casting-filming/|archive-date=September 2, 2017|access-date=August 30, 2017|website=Screen Rant}} By October 2017, cinematographer Maxime Alexandre and production designer Jennifer Spence, who previously worked with Sandberg on Annabelle: Creation, were added to the production.{{cite web|url=https://omegaunderground.com/2017/10/19/shazam-adds-annabelle-2-cinematographer-production-designer/|title='Shazam!' Adds 'Annabelle 2' Cinematographer and Production Designer|last=Marc|first=Christopher|date=October 19, 2017|publisher=OmegaUnderground|access-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522111745/https://omegaunderground.com/2017/10/19/shazam-adds-annabelle-2-cinematographer-production-designer/|archive-date=May 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} The next month, Aquaman stunt coordinator Kyle Gardiner was hired to work on the film's action sequences.{{cite web|url=https://omegaunderground.com/2017/11/24/shazam-hires-thor-ragnarok-aquaman-stunt-coordinator/|title='Shazam!' Hires 'Thor: Ragnarok' and 'Aquaman' Stunt Coordinator|last=Marc|first=Christopher|date=November 24, 2017|publisher=OmegaUnderground|access-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522111809/https://omegaunderground.com/2017/11/24/shazam-hires-thor-ragnarok-aquaman-stunt-coordinator/|archive-date=May 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} On January 12, 2018, the film's release date was announced as April 19, 2019, later moved to April 5.{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|author-link=Dave McNary|date=January 12, 2018|title=DC's 'Shazam!' Gets 2019 Release Date|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/shazam-release-date-2019-1202663057/|url-status=live|access-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618152336/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/shazam-release-date-2019-1202663057/|archive-date=June 18, 2018}}

File:Zachary Levi by Gage Skidmore 4.jpg]]

In August 2017, the casting process for Shazam and other characters had begun. Sandberg had stated in an interview that instead of de-aging an actor using special effects or computer-generated imagery, he would cast both a child actor and an adult actor for the role of the main character.{{cite web|last=Peris|first=Sebastian|date=August 25, 2017|title=David Sandberg On Moving Right Into 'Shazam' From 'Annabelle: Creation'|url=https://heroichollywood.com/david-sandberg-shazam-annabelle-creation/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826072759/https://heroichollywood.com/david-sandberg-shazam-annabelle-creation/|archive-date=August 26, 2017|access-date=August 25, 2017|website=Heroic Hollywood}}{{unreliable source?|sure=yes|date=February 2023}} Zachary Levi, John Cena, Zane Holtz, Jake McDorman, Derek Theler and Billy Magnussen all met with and/or auditioned for Sandberg for the role of Shazam.{{cite magazine|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=October 27, 2017|title=Shazam! To Star Zachary Levi (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-star-zachary-levi-as-dc-hero-1049616|url-status=live|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501061933/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-star-zachary-levi-as-dc-hero-1049616|archive-date=May 1, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2018}}

By October 2017, Levi was cast in the titular role.{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=October 27, 2017|title=DC's 'Shazam!' to Star Zachary Levi|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-star-zachary-levi-as-dc-hero-1049616|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028011957/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-star-zachary-levi-as-dc-hero-1049616|archive-date=October 28, 2017|access-date=October 27, 2017|website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Sandberg chose Levi out of 100 actors after seeing his audition (which was taped on his iPhone).{{cite web | url=https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/how-zachary-levi-went-from-hollywood-outsider-to-big-screen-superhero | title=Ready for Takeoff: How Zachary Levi Went from Hollywood Outsider to Big-Screen Superhero | date=October 30, 2019 }} In November, Grace Fulton joined the cast as Mary Bromfield, one of Billy Batson's foster siblings. Fulton had previously worked with the same director on Annabelle: Creation.{{cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/grace-fulton-shazam-annabelle-creation-1202605521/ |title=Annabelle Creation Actress Grace Fulton Joins Shazam|date=November 2, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011710/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/grace-fulton-shazam-annabelle-creation-1202605521/ |archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live}} Later that month, Mark Strong was in final negotiations to play Dr. Sivana. Strong confirmed he would be playing the role by January 2018.{{cite web|last=Sky|first=Rick|url=http://www.contactmusic.net/mark-strong/news/mark-strong-spills-on-shazam-secrecy_5955962|title=Mark Strong spills on Shazam! secrecy|work=Contactmusic.com |date=January 14, 2018|publisher=ContactMusic.net|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115001725/http://www.contactmusic.net/mark-strong/news/mark-strong-spills-on-shazam-secrecy_5955962|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} By November 2017, Asher Angel was cast as the titular hero's teenage originator Billy Batson.{{cite magazine|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=November 6, 2017|title='Shazam!' Finds Its Billy Batson with 'Andi Mack' Actor|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-asher-angel-star-as-billy-batson-dc-movie-1055189|url-status=live|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107070958/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/shazam-asher-angel-star-as-billy-batson-dc-movie-1055189|archive-date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 6, 2017}} In December, Jack Dylan Grazer was added as Freddy Freeman, Batson's best friend.{{cite magazine|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=December 6, 2017|title=It Actor Jack Dylan Grazer Joins Shazam|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/it-jack-dylan-grazer-shazam-dc-movie-1202221613/|url-status=live|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207013228/http://deadline.com/2017/12/it-jack-dylan-grazer-shazam-dc-movie-1202221613/|archive-date=December 7, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017}} Later that month, Jovan Armand, Ian Chen, Faithe Herman, and Cooper Andrews were cast as Pedro Peña, Eugene Choi, and Darla Dudley, respectively,Multiple sources:

• {{cite web|last=Outlaw|first=Kofi|date=December 21, 2017|title=DC's 'Shazam' Adds 'This Is Us' Actress Faithe Herman to Cast|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2017/12/21/dc-shazam-movie-faithe-herman-darla-dudley/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222091426/http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/12/21/dc-shazam-movie-faithe-herman-darla-dudley/|archive-date=December 22, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2020|publisher=Comicbook.com}}
• {{cite magazine|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=December 12, 2017|title=Ian Chen & Jovan Armand Join Shazam|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/ian-chen-jovan-armand-shazam-brian-astro-bradley-jr-luce-1202225185/ |url-status=live|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010829/http://deadline.com/2017/12/ian-chen-jovan-armand-shazam-brian-astro-bradley-jr-luce-1202225185/ |archive-date=December 13, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2020}} with Andrews portraying Víctor Vásquez, one of Billy Batson's foster parents.{{cite magazine|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=December 19, 2017|title=The Walking Dead's Cooper Andrews Joins Shazam|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/the-walking-deads-cooper-andrews-shazam-new-line-1202229944/|url-status=live|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221000304/http://deadline.com/2017/12/the-walking-deads-cooper-andrews-shazam-new-line-1202229944/|archive-date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2017}}

By January 2018, Ron Cephas Jones entered talks to play the role of the wizard Shazam, who granted Batson his powers.{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Umberto|date=January 18, 2018|title='This Is Us' Star Ron Cephas Jones Circles Wizard Role in DC Superhero Film 'SHAZAM!' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ron-cephas-jones-wizard-dc-superhero-shazam/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119003130/https://www.thewrap.com/ron-cephas-jones-wizard-dc-superhero-shazam/|archive-date=January 19, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2018|website=TheWrap}} Later that month, Spanish actress Marta Milans joined the cast to play Rosa Vásquez, one of the foster parents at the home where Billy lives.{{cite magazine|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=January 22, 2018|title='Shazam!': Marta Milans Joins Zachary Levi in New Line Superhero Pic|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/shazam-marta-milans-zachary-levi-new-line-comic-book-superhero-film-1202266511/|url-status=live|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123052819/http://deadline.com/2018/01/shazam-marta-milans-zachary-levi-new-line-comic-book-superhero-film-1202266511/|archive-date=January 23, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2018}} By the end of January 2018, actress Lotta Losten, the wife of director David F. Sandberg, revealed that she had a role in the film.{{cite tweet|user=lottalosten|last=Losten|first=Lotta|number=958799702094438406|title=Yes! I have a role in Shazam! I can finally say that!|date=January 31, 2018|access-date=January 31, 2017|author-link=Lotta Losten}} On April 23, 2018, Ross Butler was announced to have joined the cast.{{cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/riverdale-and-13-reasons-why-ross-butler-shazam-1202783587/|title='13 Reasons Why' Actor Ross Butler Joins DC's 'Shazam!'|date=April 23, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424112013/http://variety.com/2018/film/news/riverdale-and-13-reasons-why-ross-butler-shazam-1202783587/|archive-date=April 24, 2018|url-status=live}} By July, Djimon Hounsou had replaced Jones as Shazam, due to Jones having scheduling conflicts.{{cite magazine|title=Exclusive: DC's 'Shazam!' casts 'Guardians' actor Djimon Hounsou as the Wizard|url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/07/10/djimon-hounsou-shazam-wizard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710194534/http://ew.com/movies/2018/07/10/djimon-hounsou-shazam-wizard/|archive-date=July 10, 2018|access-date=July 10, 2018|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en}} Henry Cavill was in talks to reprise his role as Superman from previous DCEU films for a cameo, but was unable to because of scheduling.{{cite web|first1=Tatiana|last1=Siegel|first2=Borys|last2=Kit|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/henry-cavill-as-superman-warner-bros-dc-universe-shake-up-1142306|title=Henry Cavill Out as Superman Amid Warner Bros.' DC Universe Shake-Up (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 12, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912191747/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/henry-cavill-as-superman-warner-bros-dc-universe-shake-up-1142306|archive-date=September 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

Principal photography for Shazam! began in Toronto and Hamilton,{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Bea|date=September 19, 2017|title=Superhero movie Shazam! to start filming in early 2018|language=en|work=Digital Spy|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/shazam/news/a838482/shazam-movie-2019-release-date-dceu-filming-2018/|url-status=live|access-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921174657/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/shazam/news/a838482/shazam-movie-2019-release-date-dceu-filming-2018/|archive-date=September 21, 2017}} in Ontario, Canada on January 29, 2018,{{cite web|title=David F. Sandberg on Instagram: Let's go!⚡️|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BeipkbDAYpp/|publisher=Instagram|access-date=January 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512144830/https://www.instagram.com/p/BeipkbDAYpp/|archive-date=May 12, 2019|url-status=live}} under the working title Franklin,{{cite web |url=http://omegaunderground.com/2017/09/14/working-title-shazam-movie-revealed/ |title=The Working Title of The 'Shazam!' Movie Revealed |last=Marc |first=Christopher |date=September 14, 2017 |website=OmegaGround |access-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920103858/http://omegaunderground.com/2017/09/14/working-title-shazam-movie-revealed/ |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |url-status=dead }} and wrapped by mid-May 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions-and-news/|title=Current Productions & News|work=City of Toronto |publisher=Toronto.ca|access-date=March 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320211154/https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions-and-news/|archive-date=March 20, 2018|url-status=live|date=August 7, 2017 |last1=Toronto |first1=City of }} The film was set primarily in Philadelphia and is firmly established within the DCEU. Most of the production was shot at Pinewood Toronto Studios, and also several public locations around the city, including the University of Toronto, Woodbine Shopping Centre,{{cite web |url=http://omegaunderground.com/2017/09/18/confirmed-shazam-begins-filming-february-toronto/ |title=CONFIRMED: 'Shazam!' Begins Filming This February in Toronto |last=Williams |first=Caleb |date=September 18, 2017 |website=OmegaGround |access-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930183308/http://omegaunderground.com/2017/09/18/confirmed-shazam-begins-filming-february-toronto/ |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |url-status=dead }} and Hearn Generating Station. In early March 2018, filming took place at Fort York National Historic Site in downtown Toronto.{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Jason|date=March 6, 2018|title=Shazam Set Video Shows Zachary Levi's DC Hero in Action|url=https://www.cbr.com/shazam-set-video-costume-zachary-levi/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151038/https://www.cbr.com/shazam-set-video-costume-zachary-levi/|archive-date=March 7, 2018|access-date=March 6, 2018|website=Comic Book Resources}} By early May 2018, Asher Angel, among other young cast members, had finished filming his part,{{cite web|last=Hood|first=Cooper|date=May 7, 2018|title=Shazam! Star Asher Angel Officially Wraps Filming|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-asher-angel-wraps-filming/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508052829/https://screenrant.com/shazam-asher-angel-wraps-filming/|archive-date=May 8, 2018|access-date=May 7, 2018|website=Screen Rant}} and principal photography wrapped on May 11, 2018.{{cite tweet|user=ponysmasher|last=Sandberg|first=David F.|number=995017103894695936|title=That's a wrap on Shazam! Now onto months of post production.|date=May 11, 2018|access-date=May 11, 2018|author-link=David F. Sandberg}} Reshoots and additional photography took place in Toronto between November{{cite web|last=Marc|first=Christopher|url=https://thegww.com/shazam-confirmed-to-get-two-weeks-of-reshoots-next-month-in-toronto/|title=Shazam! Confirmed To Get Two Weeks Of Reshoots Next Month in Toronto|date=October 23, 2018|work=OmegaUnderground|publisher=Geeks WorldWide|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071007/https://thegww.com/shazam-confirmed-to-get-two-weeks-of-reshoots-next-month-in-toronto/|archive-date=October 25, 2018|url-status=live}} and December 2018.{{cite web|date=November 8, 2018|title=Shazam! Reshoots Reportedly Extended To Late December|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-reshoots-schedule-extended/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110160107/https://screenrant.com/shazam-movie-reshoots-schedule-extended/|archive-date=November 10, 2018|access-date=November 10, 2018|website=Screen Rant|language=en-US}} Scenes set at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and well as other location work such as footage of the skyline and aerial shots, were filmed in the city of Philadelphia in December 2018.{{cite web|last=HughE|first=Dillon|url=https://www.phillychitchat.com/2018/11/kendall.html|title='SHAZAM Films in Philly this Weekend, Kendall Jenner will be at Sixers Game Tonight|date=November 30, 2018|work=Philly ChitChat|access-date=December 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055443/https://www.phillychitchat.com/2018/11/kendall.html|archive-date=December 3, 2018|url-status=dead}} Shazam! had a production budget of $90–100 million{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/shazam-low-budget-suit-costs/|title=Shazam Budget Reportedly $80–$90M; Suits Didn't Cost $1M|date=January 19, 2019|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130221121/https://screenrant.com/shazam-low-budget-suit-costs/|archive-date=January 30, 2019|url-status=live}} (and about $102 million once post-production was complete),{{cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-sequel-henry-gayden-screenwriter-returning-1202591584/|title='Shazam!' Scribe Henry Gayden To Pen Sequel|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 8, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409145511/https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-sequel-henry-gayden-screenwriter-returning-1202591584/|archive-date=April 9, 2019|url-status=live}} making it the least expensive DCEU film to-date.

David F. Sandberg's two-time collaborator Michel Aller served as the editor for Shazam! Mike Wassel (Hellboy II: The Golden Army and the Fast & Furious franchise) and Kelvin McIlwain (Aquaman) were the overall visual effects supervisors for the film. Technicolor's VFX studios Mr. X (known for The Shape of Water and Tron: Legacy) and Moving Picture Company (MPC) provided visual effects. Rodeo FX, DNEG, Digital Domain, and Rise FX also worked on the VFX.{{cite web|url=http://www.artofvfx.com/shazam/|title=Art of VFX Shazam!|work=Art of VFX|date=January 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811031958/http://www.artofvfx.com/shazam/|archive-date=August 11, 2018|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Shazam! (soundtrack)}}

On July 21, 2018, Benjamin Wallfisch was announced as the composer for Shazam!, marking his third collaboration with director David F. Sandberg after previously scoring Sandberg's Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation.{{cite web |title=Benjamin Wallfisch to Score David F. Sandberg's 'Shazam!' |url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2018/07/21/benjamin-wallfisch-to-score-david-f-sandbergs-shazam/ |publisher=Film Music Reporter |access-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011452/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2018/07/21/benjamin-wallfisch-to-score-david-f-sandbergs-shazam/ |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |url-status=live }} Wallfisch had also provided additional music for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the second film in the DC Extended Universe.{{cite web|title='Batman V Superman: Darn of Justice' – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Release|date=March 20, 2016 |url=https://www.benjaminwallfisch.com/news/behind-the-scenes-of-the-score-for-the-new-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-movie/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075318/https://www.benjaminwallfisch.com/news/behind-the-scenes-of-the-score-for-the-new-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-movie/|archive-date=August 27, 2018|access-date=August 26, 2018|publisher=Benjaminwallfisch.com}}

Wallfisch cited John Williams and scores from 1980s Amblin Entertainment films as inspirations for Shazam!, to match the tone of a film about "an old-school superhero from the Golden Age"{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/benjamin-wallfisch-composer-interview-1203181069/ |title=Composer Benjamin Wallfisch Scores High in Versatility With 'Hellboy,' 'Hostile,' 'Shazam!' |last=Burlingame |first=Jon |date=April 4, 2019 |website=Variety |language=en |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408022837/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/benjamin-wallfisch-composer-interview-1203181069/ |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} In writing the score, Wallfisch stated that he was "picturing what might happen if a 14-year-old was put in front of a 100 piece orchestra and told there were no limits. I wanted the score to feel like it might have been written by an exuberant kid just having the time of his life with an orchestra."{{Cite web|last=Beedle|first=Tim|title=Benjamin Wallfisch Sets Shazam!'s Magic to Music|url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2019/04/19/benjamin-wallfisch-sets-shazams-magic-to-music|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422224255/https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2019/04/19/benjamin-wallfisch-sets-shazams-magic-to-music|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019|website=DC Comics|date=April 19, 2019 }}

File:Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer & David F. Sandberg by Gage Skidmore.jpg, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, and David F. Sandberg promoting Shazam! at the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con]]

In April 2018, a first look at Shazam! was shown at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas, Nevada,{{cite news|last1=Burlingame|first1=Russ|title='Shazam!' Footage Shown at CinemaCon|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/25/shazam-footage-shown-at-cinemacon/|access-date=April 25, 2018|work=Comicbook.com|date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426024009/http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/25/shazam-footage-shown-at-cinemacon/|archive-date=April 26, 2018|url-status=live}} as director David F. Sandberg introduced behind-the-scene footage.{{cite news|last1=Lang|first1=Brent|date=April 24, 2018|title='Aquaman' Footage Debuts at CinemaCon; 'Wonder Woman 2' Details Revealed|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/aquaman-footage-cinemacon-wonder-woman-2-1202785916/|url-status=live|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425022253/http://variety.com/2018/film/news/aquaman-footage-cinemacon-wonder-woman-2-1202785916/|archive-date=April 25, 2018}} During an interview with the podcast Film Riot in June 2018, Sandberg stated that "On this one, it was just like 'Yeah, I want this to be a classic superhero movie.' It takes place in the winter, so it's a lot of dark exteriors, but with a lot of colorful lights and stuff around them."{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Tommy|title=SHAZAM! Officially Confirmed to Take Place in Winter|date=June 8, 2018|url=https://geektyrant.com/news/shazam-officially-confirmed-to-take-place-in-winter|publisher=Geek Tyrant|access-date=June 16, 2018|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616153839/https://geektyrant.com/news/shazam-officially-confirmed-to-take-place-in-winter|url-status=live}} On July 21, 2018, the first teaser trailer was shown at San Diego Comic-Con during the Warner Bros. panel at Hall H, with Sandberg, Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, and Jack Dylan Grazer in attendance. The trailer was later released online.{{cite web|last1=Liptak|first1=Andrew|date=July 21, 2018|title=The first trailer for DC's Shazam is like Big, but with superheroes|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/21/17598148/shazam-dc-comics-warner-bros-trailer-watch-san-diego-comic-con|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722105234/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/21/17598148/shazam-dc-comics-warner-bros-trailer-watch-san-diego-comic-con|archive-date=July 22, 2018|access-date=July 22, 2018|website=The Verge}} It received a favorable response from journalists and audiences, who praised its humorous, zany tone.{{cite web |last1=Newby |first1=Richard |title=Why 'Shazam!' Was Biggest Surprise of Comic-Con |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/why-shazam-trailer-was-biggest-surprise-comic-con-1129342 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=August 13, 2018 |date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814001637/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/why-shazam-trailer-was-biggest-surprise-comic-con-1129342 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |url-status=live }}

New footage from the film made its debut at Brazil Comic Con (CCXP) in São Paulo on December 9, 2018, during the Warner Bros. studio panel, with the footage described for the attendees as action-packed.{{cite web |last1=Barnhardt |first1=Adam |title=New 'Shazam!' Footage Debuts at CCXP |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/12/09/new-shazam-footage-ccxp/ |website=Comicbook.com |access-date=January 4, 2019 |date=December 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105042919/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/12/09/new-shazam-footage-ccxp/ |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |url-status=live }} A new trailer was released on March 4, and a three-minute sneak peek was included with the digital home media of Aquaman. At the STP 500 on March 24, 2019, Shazam! was the primary sponsor of Aric Almirola and the #10 Ford Mustang in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.{{cite web |title=Aric Almirola, a self described Batman fan, to drive Shazam car at Martinsville |url=http://tireball.com/nascar/2019/03/21/aric-almirola-a-self-described-batman-fan-to-drive-shazam-car-at-martinsville/ |website=Tireball.com |access-date=March 24, 2019 |date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325001250/http://tireball.com/nascar/2019/03/21/aric-almirola-a-self-described-batman-fan-to-drive-shazam-car-at-martinsville/ |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |url-status=live }} Altogether the studio spent about $105 million promoting the film.

On March 13, 2019, Warner Bros. Pictures announced that they were teaming up with Fandango for exclusive preview screenings on March 23, two weeks before release, on 1,200 select screens and 40 exhibition circuits.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/shazam-fandango-early-preview-1202574896/|title='Shazam!' To Preview Two Weeks Before Opening Via Fandango Screening Program|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403231324/https://deadline.com/2019/03/shazam-fandango-early-preview-1202574896/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live}} Shazam! premiered at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood on March 28, 2019,{{Cite tweet |author=IGN |author-link=IGN |user=IGN |number=1110687426014527494 |date=March 26, 2019 |title=We're joining forces with @ShazamMovie to bring you the red carpet premiere! See you Thursday, @ZacharyLevi! go.ign.com/dApxpMw |language=en |access-date=March 17, 2022}} and was theatrically released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on April 5, 2019.

Shazam! was released on digital download on July 2, 2019, and was released on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 16. Physical copies contain behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and gag reels.{{Cite web|date=May 23, 2019|title='Shazam' Blu-ray and Digital Releases Arrive in July|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/shazam-blu-ray/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616120857/https://www.slashfilm.com/shazam-blu-ray/|archive-date=June 16, 2019|access-date=June 19, 2019|website=SlashFilm|language=en-US}} {{as of|2020|08|20|df=US}}, Shazam! has made $8.3 million in DVD sales and $21 million in Blu-ray sales, totaling an estimated of $29.4 million in domestic video sales.{{cite the numbers |id=Shazam-(2019) |title=Shazam! |access-date=February 28, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707123246/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Shazam-(2019) |archive-date=July 7, 2019 }}

Shazam! grossed $140.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $227.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $367.8 million. It was estimated that the film needed to gross $235–250 million worldwide in order to break even,{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2019/04/21/shazam-flies-high-to-300-million-worldwide/#2b51cb8a2ffd|title='Shazam' Flies High To $300+ Million Worldwide (Updated)|website=Forbes|author=Mark Hughes|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627231023/https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2019/04/21/shazam-flies-high-to-300-million-worldwide/#2b51cb8a2ffd|archive-date=June 27, 2019|url-status=live}} and Deadline Hollywood calculated the film made a net profit of $74 million, when factoring together all expenses and revenues.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/shazam-box-office-profit-2019-zachary-levi-dc-comics-1202905779/|title='Shazam!' Hits Grand Slam As No. 21 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 10, 2019|access-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410233406/https://deadline.com/2020/04/shazam-box-office-profit-2019-zachary-levi-dc-comics-1202905779/|archive-date=April 10, 2020|url-status=live}}

In the United States and Canada, Shazam! was released alongside The Best of Enemies and Pet Sematary, and was projected to gross $40–50 millionMultiple sources:

• $40–45 million: {{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/shazam-pet-sematary-projected-box-office-opening-1202575628/|title='Shazam!' Looks To Strike Lightning With $45M Opening; 'Pet Sematary' Eyes Mid $20M+ – Early Tracking|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070649/https://deadline.com/2019/03/shazam-pet-sematary-projected-box-office-opening-1202575628/|archive-date=March 30, 2019|url-status=live}}
• $45–50 million: {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/box-office/shazam-box-office-opening-weekend-pet-sematary-1203177258/|title=Box Office: 'Shazam!' Heads Toward $45 Million-Plus Opening Weekend|work=Variety|author=Rebecca Rubin|date=April 3, 2019|access-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403221356/https://variety.com/2019/film/box-office/shazam-box-office-opening-weekend-pet-sematary-1203177258/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live}} from 4,260 theaters in its opening weekend.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/box-office/shazam-box-office-opening-weekend-pet-sematary-1203177258/|title=Box Office: 'Shazam!' Heads Toward $45 Million-Plus Opening Weekend|work=Variety|author=Rebecca Rubin|date=April 3, 2019|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403221356/https://variety.com/2019/film/box-office/shazam-box-office-opening-weekend-pet-sematary-1203177258/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live}} Two weeks before its release, the film grossed $3.3 million from Fandango advance screenings, higher than the $2.9 million made by fellow DCEU film Aquaman the previous December.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/shazam-preview-record-box-office-1202581506/|title='Shazam!' Paid Previews Are Super At $3.3M, Beating 'Dragon 3', 'Aquaman' & More|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=March 24, 2019|access-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324150214/https://deadline.com/2019/03/shazam-preview-record-box-office-1202581506/|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=live}} It then made $5.9 million from Thursday night screenings on April 4, for a combined preview total of $9.2 million.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-pet-sematary-weekend-box-office-opening-1202588955/|title='Shazam!' Whams $5.9M In Thursday Night U.S. Previews For $9.2M Cume, Eyes $145M+ WW Launch – Friday AM Update|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|author2=Nancy Tartaglione|date=April 5, 2019|access-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405134047/https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-pet-sematary-weekend-box-office-opening-1202588955/|archive-date=April 5, 2019|url-status=live}} The film grossed a total of $20.4 million on its first day, including Thursday previews but not the March screenings. It went on to debut to $53.5 million, finishing first at the box office.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-opening-weekend-box-office-the-joker-pet-sematary-1202589627/|title='Shazam!' Shoots To Super $53M+ Opening, $56M+ With Previews; 'Pet Sematary' Purrs $25M – Sunday AM B.O. Final|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406170455/https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-opening-weekend-box-office-the-joker-pet-sematary-1202589627/|archive-date=April 6, 2019|url-status=live}} In its second weekend the film made $24.5 million, retaining the top spot,{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/hellboy-shazam-weekend-box-office-1202594516/|title='Shazam!' To Hit $100M Before Friday; 'Little' Mighty With $15M+; 'Hellboy' Extinguished; 'After' Works Overseas – Sunday AM Update|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=April 14, 2019|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414084309/https://deadline.com/2019/04/hellboy-shazam-weekend-box-office-1202594516/|archive-date=April 14, 2019|url-status=live}} before being dethroned by newcomer The Curse of La Llorona in its third weekend.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/the-curse-of-la-llorona-shazam-easter-weekend-box-office-2-1202598869/|title=Lowest Easter Weekend at the B.O. Since 2005 Despite $26M Purse Of 'La Llorona' – Saturday AM Update|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420115431/https://deadline.com/2019/04/the-curse-of-la-llorona-shazam-easter-weekend-box-office-2-1202598869/|archive-date=April 20, 2019|url-status=live}} In its fourth weekend, it made $5.6 million and finished fifth at the box office, including behind fellow superhero films Avengers: Endgame and Captain Marvel.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/avengers-endgame-opening-weekend-box-office-record-1202602445/|title=Avengers: Endgame' Rests At $357M+ Opening Record; Eyes $33M+ Monday & Record $180M 2nd Frame; Weekend Biz Hits $401M+ High|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=April 28, 2019|access-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427235856/https://deadline.com/2019/04/avengers-endgame-opening-weekend-box-office-record-1202602445/|archive-date=April 27, 2019|url-status=live}}

In other territories, the film was released in 53 markets on Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, April 4, and was projected to debut to $100–120 million, for a global opening of $145–170. In its first two days of international release the film made $15.7 million, finishing first in 48 of its 53 markets. It was then released in an additional 26 countries, including China, where it made $16.4 million on its first day. It went on to have an international debut of $102 million, and a global total of $158.6 million. It came in first in 60 of its 79 markets, with its highest-grossing being China ($43.4 million), Mexico ($10.6 million), Australia ($10.3 million), the United Kingdom ($15.3 million), Russia ($8.4 million), and Brazil ($8.7 million).{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-opening-weekend-china-global-international-box-office-1202589047/|title='Shazam!' Strikes $102M Overseas Bow; 'Pet Sematary' Digs $17M; 'Dumbo', 'Us' Top $200M WW – International Box Office|website=Deadline Hollywood|author=Nancy Tartaglione|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406133200/https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-opening-weekend-china-global-international-box-office-1202589047/|archive-date=April 6, 2019|url-status=live}}

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}, based on {{RT data|count}} reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "An effortlessly entertaining blend of humor and heart, Shazam! is a superhero movie that never forgets the genre's real power: joyous wish fulfillment."{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y}} |type=movie |title=Shazam! |access-date={{RT data|access date}}}} On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 71 out of 100, based on 53 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.{{cite Metacritic |id=shazam! |type=movie |title=Shazam! |access-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111205358/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/shazam! |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |url-status=live }} Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled by PostTrak gave it a 79% positive score, with 59% saying they would definitely recommend it.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-box-office-bomb-1235303827/ |title='Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Doesn't Fly With Moviegoers At $30M Opening: Here's Why – Saturday Box Office |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 18, 2023 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |access-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319010808/https://deadline.com/2023/03/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-box-office-bomb-1235303827/ |url-status=live }}

Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com said that "while Shazam! is goofier (and darker) than it may look, you'll wish its superhero came with a little more spark,"{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Nick|title=Shazam! Movie Review & Film Summary (2019) {{!}} Roger Ebert|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shazam-2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405145243/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shazam-2019|archive-date=April 5, 2019|access-date=April 10, 2019|website=RogerEbert.com|language=en}} while The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s Frank Scheck called the film "Big on steroids" and praised the tone and performances.{{cite web|last=Scheck|first=Frank|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 23, 2019|title='Shazam!': Film Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/shazam-review-1196387|access-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324014219/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/shazam-review-1196387|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=live}} Alonso Duralde of TheWrap wrote, "If the Wonder Woman and Aquaman movies represented DC Comics' first big-screen steps away from the austere color palette of the Zack Snyder movies, Shazam! takes us deeply into primary colors in a single bound... this new DC entry has a lovely lightness, both in the visuals and in its tone."{{cite web|author-link=Alonso Duralde|last=Duralde|first=Alonso|work=TheWrap|date=March 23, 2019|title='Shazam!' Film Review: DC Comics Gets a Bouncy Burst of Big-Screen Ebullience|url=https://www.thewrap.com/shazam-film-review-dceu-2019/|access-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324033307/https://www.thewrap.com/shazam-film-review-dceu-2019/|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=live}}

Writing for The A.V. Club, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky gave the film a "B−" and said: "...while the story of an extremely overpowered champion rising to challenge a one-dimensionally sinister baddie might seem like the epitome of simplicity, Shazam! is still a modern-day tentpole blockbuster, overburdened with backstories for both hero and villain and subtexts that it can't (or won't) fully articulate."{{cite web |author-link=Ignatiy Vishnevetsky |last=Vishnevetsky |first=Ignatiy |work=The A.V. Club |date=March 23, 2019 |title='Shazam!' Zaps an Old-Fashioned Superhero into a Blockbuster World |url=https://www.avclub.com/shazam-zaps-an-old-fashioned-superhero-into-a-blockbus-1833471014 |access-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323232614/https://film.avclub.com/shazam-zaps-an-old-fashioned-superhero-into-a-blockbus-1833471014 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} That publication followed up with a further consideration of masculinity in the film and the superhero genre generally, focusing on the transition of Billy Batson from an adolescent boy to a man with power and responsibility.{{cite news |url=https://www.avclub.com/shazam-redefines-masculinity-in-the-dc-universe-1833881774 |title=Shazam! Redefines Masculinity in the DC Universe |last=Hassenger |first=Jesse |date=April 9, 2019 |access-date=April 9, 2019 |newspaper=The A.V. Club |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409193909/https://film.avclub.com/shazam-redefines-masculinity-in-the-dc-universe-1833881774 |archive-date=April 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} Benjamin Lee of The Guardian gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, specifying, "The finale, while admirably self-contained and small-scale, grinds on for far too long, a boring escalation of anti-climaxes that cumulatively dull the intended emotional impact. It's a film in need of a tighter edit with a script in need of a sharper polish, an imperfect franchise-launcher that nonetheless represents significant progress for DC."{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |work=The Guardian |date=March 23, 2019 |title=Shazam! review – kid-friendly DC adventure is enjoyably old school |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/mar/23/shazam-review-zachary-levi-dc-comics-universe |access-date=March 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324014220/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/mar/23/shazam-review-zachary-levi-dc-comics-universe |archive-date=March 24, 2019 |url-status=live }}

{{Anchor|Sequel|Sequels}}

{{Main|Shazam! Fury of the Gods}}

On April 8, 2019, TheWrap reported that New Line Cinema was developing a sequel with Henry Gayden returning to write the film, along with David F. Sandberg directing and Peter Safran producing.{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Umberto|date=April 8, 2019|title='Shazam!' Writer Henry Gayden Will Return to Write Sequel (Exclusive)|url=https://www.thewrap.com/henry-gayden-shazam-sequel/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408215815/https://www.thewrap.com/henry-gayden-shazam-sequel/|archive-date=April 8, 2019|access-date=April 8, 2019|website=TheWrap}} In December 2019, New Line Cinema announced that the sequel would be released on April 1, 2022.{{cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=December 12, 2019|title='Shazam! 2' To Take Flight Spring 2022, 'Sesame Street' Relocates|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/shazam-2-to-take-flight-spring-2022-sesame-street-relocates-1202807958/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212201029/https://deadline.com/2019/12/shazam-2-to-take-flight-spring-2022-sesame-street-relocates-1202807958/|archive-date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood }} Following several delays, the film was released on March 17, 2023.{{cite web |date=20 October 2022 |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=DC Films & 'Conjuring' Universe Producer Peter Safran Re-Ups Warner Bros Production Pact |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/warner-bros-dc-peter-safran-conjuring-aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-1235150006/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020215558/https://deadline.com/2022/10/warner-bros-dc-peter-safran-conjuring-aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-1235150006/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Black Adam (film)}}

Dwayne Johnson was attached to Shazam! early in development, and confirmed that he would portray the villain Black Adam in September 2014. The producers decided to give the character his own film in January 2017, and Adam Sztykiel was hired that October. Jaume Collet-Serra joined in June 2019. Additional casting took place over the next year, including four members of the Justice Society of America (JSA), and the script was re-written by Haines and Noshirvani. Filming took place from April to August 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia, and also Los Angeles. It was originally set for release on December 22, 2021, but was pushed back and released on October 21, 2022.{{cite web |date = July 7, 2019 |author = Borys Kit |url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shazam-spin-black-adam-finds-director-shallows-filmmaker-1216617/ |website = The Hollywood Reporter |title = 'Shazam!' Spinoff 'Black Adam' Finds Director with 'Shallows' Filmmaker |access-date = October 11, 2021 |archive-date = September 25, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210925020023/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shazam-spin-black-adam-finds-director-shallows-filmmaker-1216617/ |url-status = live }}

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