Sci-Fi News and Reviews

Segal Says Yes To "Shazam!"

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Peter Segal has agreed to helm New Line Cinema's adaptation of the DC Comics' series "Shazam!"

While there have been a few incarnation of the series, the core plot revolves around young Billy Batson who becomes the superhero known as Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as well as their attributes: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Aries, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury.

In the original Fawcett Comics series (Fawcett was purchased by DC Comics), Billy Batson is a young orphaned boy chosen to be a champion of good by the wizard Shazam. Whenever Billy speaks the wizard's name, he is instantly struck by a magic lightning bolt that transforms him into the adult Superman-like hero Captain Marvel empowered with the abilities of six mythological figures.

From 1974 to 1976, CBS aired a live-action television series which changed the premise a bit with Billy and his guardian ("Mentor") driving around the country doing good in an RV. The TV show did not feature a wizard. Instead Billy spoke directly with his namesake gods/elders (who appeared in cartoon form) for advice.

Fawcett/DC also ran a Marvel Family comic series that included Captain Marvel's sister Mary Marvel, their friend Captain Marvel, Jr., and several others over time.

Of course, the Captain Marvel of "Shazam!" is not to be confused with the Captain Marvel by Marvel Comics. Wait.... it's VERY confusing! Two Captain Marvels? For the trivia-minded, apparently Marvel Comics began a series of comic books staring Captain Marvel after Fawcett Comics ceased its publication of the character in the 1950s. (Why did Fawcett create a character with the name of another comic publisher in the first place? Anyone know? As far as I can discern, Marvel was in business when Fawcett created it.) DC Comics returned the character to publication in 1972, but was unable to promote and market its Captain Marvel/Marvel Family properties under that name because Marvel had trademarked it. Hence, DC - and anything based on its Captain Marvel - must use "Shazam!" instead.

As with other comic book adaptations, it will be interesting to see what aspects of the previous incarnations the film will follow. At the very least, this character seems to have a lot of franchise potential.

Based on Segal's resume, we might be in for a Captain Marvel with a comic twist (not that the TV series wasn't hilarious in its cheesiness). Segal has also directed the comedy hits "The Longest Yard," "50 First Dates" and "Anger Management" staring Adam Sandler. He is also "attached" to direct "Get Smart," the big-screen adaptation of the classic TV series.

No word on a release date for "Shazam!" -- Shannon Nolley

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Posted by Shannon on April 14, 2006 3:47 PM
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