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    Billy Batson

    Character » Billy Batson appears in 2448 issues.

    The original Captain Marvel, deemed worthy of becoming the champion of the ancient Wizard Mamaragan, whenever he utters the word "Shazam", young Billy Batson is struck by a magical thunderbolt and gains vast divine powers and abilities, transforming him into Magic's Champion, the World's Mightiest Mortal, Shazam!

    Captain Marvel/Shazam! Movie With Geoff Johns Consulting

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    gmanfromheck

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    Edited By gmanfromheck

    No Caption Provided

    What is going on with Captain Marvel?  And I don't mean in the comics.  Let's recap some of the history here.  Back in November 2008, I reported that Peter Segal would be the director for the Captain Marvel movie.  Segal has directed "Get Smart," "The Longest Yard," "Nutty Professor II" and "Tommy Boy."
     
    In January of this year, writer John August explain that the movie was dead.  There was a lot of drama over why this was the case.
     
    A week later, I reported that the word was the movie wasn't quite dead yet.
     
    Today, Variety reported that Bill Birch had been hired to reboot "Shazam!" and is developing it as a new franchise.  Peter Segal is still on board as director.  The good news is that Geoff Johns will be consulting on the movie (as well as the previous mentioned Flash movie).  Johns is part of a trio including Grant Morrison and Marv Wolfman that Warner Bros. has hired as consultants and writers for their superhero movies (first reported HERE).
     
    No Caption Provided
    Will this movie finally happen?  The film has been 'in the works' for three years now.  Originally it was set at New Line before Warners was able to acquire it once again.  The biggest problem will be casting Billy Batson, the teen that turns into Captain Marvel.  If they intend for this to be a franchise, they'll have to cast someone young enough to last for a few films or someone that can maintain a young look.  
     
    Do you think Captain Marvel has what it takes to carry his own franchise?  He has a lot of history, even before DC started printing his stories.  The question is how relevant is he today and can the film makers make him appealing enough to a generation of movie goers that might not be too familiar with him.  What about The Rock?  He's often been rumored as a contender to play Black Adam.  Would you like to see him in that role?  What other villains could we see? Dr. Sivana Mr. Mind?  What about Tawky Tawny?  I'd be really curious how they would handle him.  Would you want to see Freddy Freeman?  I'd rather they waited for the second or third before bringing him in.  For some reason, I never really cared about him.  What do you think about this?
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    TheBlueAngel93

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    #1  Edited By TheBlueAngel93

    I don't know much about Capt. Marvel, but he was cool in that one episode on Justice League Unlimited, and I'm glad there getting writers to help with the movies

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    Bergquist

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    #2  Edited By Bergquist

    dc is talk when it comes to movies 
    but it would be cool
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    Fake Shemp

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    #3  Edited By Fake Shemp

    I haven't read many Captain Marvel-related comics, so I might not be one to judge, but I really, really don't think he'd translate well onscreen.  The whole "kid transforms into a superhero when he says the magic word" thing seems really juvenile, especially to people who aren't as familiar with the occasional hokiness of superheroes, and I don't see how they could make him appeal to adults.  Plus, he's not as much a household name as the members of the Trinity or Green Lantern, so he won't have as much of a built-in fanbase.
     
    Still, I probably shouldn't worry, since it seems like they're pretty much in the process of making a movie for every superhero ever (except for Wonder Woman). 

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    The Hottness

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    #4  Edited By The Hottness

    come on Rock, get the role!!!!
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    joshmightbe

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    #5  Edited By joshmightbe

    if they made it more of a comedy it could work
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    ARMIV

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    #6  Edited By ARMIV

    They've got Geoff Johns consulting?
    This movie shouldn't fail then.

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    The_Martian

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    #7  Edited By The_Martian

    I would love for them to make a Captain Marvel movie. Mostly for my grandpa, he used to read Captain Marvel when he was younger.

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    chowys

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    #8  Edited By chowys

    I think it could be a good movie, i just wish they don't try to have too much comedy

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    MrDirector786

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    #9  Edited By MrDirector786

    I think it could work.

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    whirlwind6

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    #10  Edited By whirlwind6

    You've got to be kidding me.
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    MoonKnightFan123

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    #11  Edited By MoonKnightFan123

    i would see it anyways.

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    NightFang3

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    #12  Edited By NightFang3

    I would see it anyway.     

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    Jamiracles

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    #13  Edited By Jamiracles

    Actually I see this being more successful than a potential Superman flick, unfortunately. I'd love to see it.

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    Decept-O

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    #14  Edited By Decept-O
    @Fake Shemp said:
    "I haven't read many Captain Marvel-related comics, so I might not be one to judge, but I really, really don't think he'd translate well onscreen.  The whole "kid transforms into a superhero when he says the magic word" thing seems really juvenile, especially to people who aren't as familiar with the occasional hokiness of superheroes, and I don't see how they could make him appeal to adults.  Plus, he's not as much a household name as the members of the Trinity or Green Lantern, so he won't have as much of a built-in fanbase. Still, I probably shouldn't worry, since it seems like they're pretty much in the process of making a movie for every superhero ever (except for Wonder Woman).  "

    When Capt. Marvel first appeared his sales exceeded those of Superman.  Capt. Marvel may seem slightly "hokey" to some, but I think this has appeal for kids and adults and will translate well as a true super hero movie.   Just because he isn't a Batman or Rorschach doesn't mean Capt. Marvel can't succeed. 
     
    There are some characters in the Capt. Marvel stories I hope they don't include, and I hope they stray away from the Golden Age stuff.  I do NOT want this to be a comedy.  It should have comedic MOMENTS, yes.  
     
    With Geoff Johns and Co. consulting and the original director who happened to use Dwayne Johsnson in one of his movies (hint, hint) I think this could be great.  I WANT it to be great, so all haters and detractors aside this is good news.  Oh, and I do like gritty heroes and all but Capt. Marvel embodies the true "goodness", innocence, and hope that super heroes once displayed.  This is great news.
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    Razorback

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    #15  Edited By Razorback

    A Captain Marvel movie done well would be awesome.

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    King_Saturn

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    #16  Edited By King_Saturn
    I think a Captain Marvel film would be awesome... I know The Rock playing Black Adam has been attached to that project for a while... but I have to tell you... quite frankly The Rock has been showing himself unworthy to play Black Adam lately... I mean this dude was on Saturday Night Live in a Tutu  ! WTF ?
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    defaultdefaultdefault

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    good to see DC is starting to finally open their other avenues up. wondered what the hold up was all this time.

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    DH69

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    #18  Edited By DH69

    pass...
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    Moomin123

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    #19  Edited By Moomin123

    This better happen. I've been waiting for someone to make a Capt. Marvel film for so long. 
    The Rock would be good as Black Adam. Brandon Molale (Who they considered for Capt. Marvel the first time) I'd still want to have him as the World's Mightiest Mortal. Shia LeBeouf could do a good Billy Batson. Ian McDiarmid (Darth Sidious in Star Wars) would be good as Shazam! the wizard.
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    ryanwh

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    #20  Edited By ryanwh

    Ew, C list. Cmon DC you've still got some Vertigo comics that haven't been made into movies, I'd key into that before the C list.

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    FoxxFireArt

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    #21  Edited By FoxxFireArt

    I can not keep a straight face looking at this picture of Captain Marvel. It's that expression. It's almost as if he's saying "Yeh, Check out these pecks.", or looks like he wants to chest bump after a touchdown.

    No Caption Provided
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    Bruce Vain

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    #22  Edited By Bruce Vain

    Definitely would still love to see a Shazam movie and hopefully the Rock would still want to play Black Adam.  Maybe with Geoff Johns helping out we'll see this movie move along further.
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    Hadrelius

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    #23  Edited By Hadrelius
    @Moomin123:
    Wasn't he the wizard in Lord of the Rings?
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    FoxxFireArt

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    #24  Edited By FoxxFireArt
    @Bruce Vain said:
    " Definitely would still love to see a Shazam movie and hopefully the Rock would still want to play Black Adam.  Maybe with Geoff Johns helping out we'll see this movie move along further. "
    Actually, I believe the guy who played Shazam in the original TV series became a florist. I think I saw it on one of those VH1 specials, "Where Are They Now?". I seem to remember them showing him delivering flowers to the Osborn's house.
    I wonder if he would get a cameo? The way Lou Ferrigno has a cameo in every Hulk movie.
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    Nahero

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    #25  Edited By Nahero

    maybe it would be cool

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    Green ankh

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    #26  Edited By Green ankh

    This could be very cool. I dont know if they are going in a "fun" or SuperHero path with it but either way it could be very cool.
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    johnny_spam

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    #27  Edited By johnny_spam

    Great they just shouldn't forget Wonder Woman.
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    IGMAN

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    #28  Edited By IGMAN

    i dont much about him. but i loved the jlu episode he was in with the major fight between superman/shazam....the question is who would be cast as shazam. bcuz i think the rock can play black adam or shazam. he has the look the only diffrence is that he is tan skin...
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    Ectoplasmic

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    #29  Edited By Ectoplasmic

    Oh, well since Geoff Johns is consulting it HAS to be great, right? 
     
    This movie with include a scene of Dr. Sivana popping pills and Black Adam raping a woman, per the Geoff Johns rogues treatment guide.

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    mattydeNero

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    #30  Edited By mattydeNero

    I think that DC hiring Johns, Wolfman, and even Morrison is a great idea.  We can take a little from the result we'll get from the DC Universe Online game(when it's finally released) to judge on how awesome a DC film anchored by three great writers.  Good move.  I have no doubt now that a Shazam! film will be exciting, 
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    deactivated-579fe0ae58107

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    The only thing I've read of DC's Captain ("Shazam!") Marvel was the oversized "Power of Hope" by Alex Ross and Paul Dini. I'd like to see Cap not played for laughs or lampooned as being out of step with reality and modern times. If they can keep him from seeming corny - just me, but I have to think that Adam West's Batman was kinda like the old-school Cap...On the other hand, I don't want to see him coming off as too dark...   
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    HaloKing343

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    #32  Edited By HaloKing343

    There have been lots of rumors about superhero movies lately. l'm not convinced.

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    Supreme Marvel

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    #33  Edited By Supreme Marvel

    WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
    I love Johns and I love Captain Marvel.
    I know if it's done right, this can be great and hopefully open can continuity series.
    I'd like  both Sivana and Black Adam to be in it. Maybe Sivana can be work behind the scenes as Adam clashes through the middle.

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    TheBug

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    #34  Edited By TheBug

    I think Shazam could be a really cool unique film franchise. I would almost like to see the film be influenced by the old C.C Beck golden age a little bit, just because those stories have such quirky charm. It’s almost certain that Sivana and Black Adam are going to be in it, but it would be cool if they had the entire Monster Society of Evil, maybe in the sequel.    

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    goldenkey

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    #35  Edited By goldenkey

    Rock would be a great Black Adam 
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    SuperXAsh

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    #36  Edited By SuperXAsh

    finally some good f'n news, in sharp contrast to the Superman news, with asshats like that McTiegue guy threatening to not just reboot but re-imagine Superman, good to hear that someone's gone in the right direction with at least ONE DC Superhero, well that and Green Lantern (so far).
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    goldenkey

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    #37  Edited By goldenkey

    It's just an answer to waiting for a Superman movie.  Now more then ever because of the Shusters estate and the fact that they don't care about the fans of 70 plus years and want to spit in thier relatives faces and put a hold on Supes orgin.  I hope they make the movie, I hope it's in incredible, and hope the Shusters blood line dies before they make another Superman movie.  SHAZAM!!!!!!!!!!
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    Media_Master

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    #38  Edited By Media_Master

    I can see this being a kids movie

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    aaronkaye

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    #39  Edited By aaronkaye

       A Captain Marvel movie couldn't miss! I know youngsters who like him too. I bet it's as big a hit as Superman. Shazam!

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    TomTylerFan

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    #40  Edited By TomTylerFan

    I think Channing Tatum would be great as Captain Marvel.

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    BiteMe-Fanboy

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    #41  Edited By BiteMe-Fanboy

    Though I like Captain Marvel alot i think they should focus more on getting movies out about the members of the justice league, then come out with a Justice League movie... they can't let marvel stomp them...cuz it's definately happening in the movie business.

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    Aronmorales

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    #42  Edited By Aronmorales

    Is this the movie the Rock was supposed to be in?

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    slap_nuts

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    #43  Edited By slap_nuts

    I love captain marvel and villins. Visually I think the character desighn catches the eye right away  this initally attract's people to movie posters ect. Now if they get the plot right displaying his powers, lots of action, good story, and awsome villins I dont see how it could fail. The only thing that might be a flaw is if they make him way to morally sound. Like superman this is the sort of theam I can see modern audiances getting bord with real quik. The way to get around this and possably put some comedy/drama  into the movie would be to remember he is a teen and his morals may not be fully developed yet. A bad judgment call here, laughing at things that may be inappropriat ect. I think that he has what it takes, but hey that's just me.
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    Supreme Marvel

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    #44  Edited By Supreme Marvel

    Should be Captain Marvel
    Should be Captain Marvel

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