It appears as though we have our first look atZachary Leviin costume asShazam!, and for better or for worse, it may not be what many DC fans were expecting. Filming started recently on the DC movie, which has been in development for years and finally got going under the direction of David F. Sandberg (Lights Out,Annabelle: Creation). Though, Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam will not appear in this version. Now, thanks to a set photo that has leaked online, we may have our first look at Levi in costume, which reveals quite a bit in terms of what to expect fromShazamwhen it arrives in theaters next year.
The photo was first posted to the DC_Cinematic Reddit page and features Zachary Levi, standing amidst members of the film crew, in hisShazamcostume. The costume, in many ways, even though we’re only seeing it from the back, looks to be quite faithful to the colorful, bright costume from theworld of DC Comics. It also is in stark contrast to what we’re used to with the recent live-action DC movies, which could be good or bad depending on you feel about movies likeBatman V. Superman: Dawn of JusticeandJustice League. The photo also reveals Christmas decorations in the background, which implies that the movie will be taking place around the holiday season.
It’s also pretty clear that, even though Zachary Levi has been reportedly bulking up for the role ever since he landed the titular role inShazamlast fall, that the suit has been padded. Henry Cavill is a man of great stature and he’s quite built, so he can play Superman without augmenting his muscles.Shazamis meant to be just as big as a character like Superman, but Levi clearly isn’t that big in real life. So are they going to CGI some muscles on him in post-production? Either way, it looks like they’re not going to slim down the character for theShazammovie.
Shazamis one of very few sure things when it comes to the future of live-action DC movies. Warner Bros. had decided to completely shift their strategy following the disappointment ofJustice League. Outside ofShazam, they also haveAquamancoming out this December andWonder Woman 2next year. It also looks likeSuicide Squad 2will happen, but beyond that, not evenThe Batmanis as sure as it once was. With that in mind,Shazamwill represent the first movie to actually enter production with thisnew mindsetand new DC Films team in place, which could result ina very different kind of DC movie. One with padded suit muscles.
In addition to Zachary Levi, the movie also stars Asher Angel as the young boy who transforms into the DC hero. Grace Fulton, Cooper Andrews, Jack Dylan Grazer, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, Faithe Herman and Ron Cephas Jones are also on board, with Mark Strong as the main villain, Doctor Sivana, whom you may also see standing in the photo. Though we’re not sure he’s in costume.Shazamis set to arrive in theaters on July 23, 2025. Be sure to check out the set photo featuring Zachary Levi in costume, courtesy of theBatman-News.com Twitteraccount, for yourself below.
