Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

John August screams SHAZAM! and turns into a beefy comic-adapting screenwriter!!!

Just make Billy Batson a KID by Steve Rogers	Mar 9th, 2007 03:11:26 AM
That's what he should be. A KID. Not some surly teen. I mean a proper KID. Young.
Sounds like another origin they're squeezing in... by Latauro	Mar 9th, 2007 03:14:16 AM
...before the Justice League movie. Very cunning. But does it have to be called Shazam!? Why not Marvel or something? Copyright?
Please make Black Adam the villain! by Boondock Devil	Mar 9th, 2007 03:14:46 AM
Oded Fehr would be perfect. Also great idea keeping Geoff Johns around to keep the project.
Shia LaBeouf could play the kid. by Boba Fat	Mar 9th, 2007 03:16:44 AM
Just kidding Shazam fans
Jake Lloyd as Billy Batson! by Boondock Devil	Mar 9th, 2007 03:22:57 AM
Instead of yelling "Shazaam!" he'll just go "Yippee!" and genre fans everywhere will vomit all over.
Please tell me they're keeping the setting in WWII by Boondock Devil	Mar 9th, 2007 03:48:34 AM
Or would that be too much like the current Wonder Woman script that Silver seems to like a lot?
Get ready to flame my nuts off... by kiddae	Mar 9th, 2007 04:23:13 AM
But they should've got M Night Shyamalan to do this. He does great kid-centric drama and nostalgiac fantasy. The movie should be half familial woes and half epic fantasy. Half growing-pains and half dragon-smashing. He would've made it look good, too.
M. Night can't direct Shazam! by Boondock Devil	Mar 9th, 2007 04:46:10 AM
Red in his films ends up being a harbinger for something bad to happen. This movie is about the Big "RED" Cheese. Poor Cap'n Marvel would get his ass kicked by aliens, ghosts, grassy wolves, Samuel L. Jackson, and plant gas throughout the whole movie!
But who would actually don the cape? by Space oddity	Mar 9th, 2007 05:48:35 AM
When he shouts his incantation and transforms is when the concept gets kicking. No doubt a large part of the movie would be devoted to the hero, but should it be a big star to underscore Billy's idol worship of heros as strapping American men, or an unknown so that the audience will remember that this is a young boy at heart. The CGI Spiderman in the first film really hurt the primary drive that this a young man playing a hero and growing into one, and not just a video game demo.
SHAZAM by Fried Gold	Mar 9th, 2007 05:49:07 AM
....would be a bit of a silly title. Comic people would understand it. Non-comic people would ignore it.
Only one man for the job... by TurboPervo	Mar 9th, 2007 05:57:43 AM
Patrick Warburton looks just like the comic book drawings. Get his butt to a gym and squeeze him into the tights.
John August wrote 'Go'?! by Ribbons	Mar 9th, 2007 05:59:40 AM
Holy shit I love that movie. Not a big fan of 'Shazam!', but I'll be interested in what they do with it. Making the kid into a teenage comic book reader seems to be the "super-liminal" approach though. We get that becoming Captain Marvel has an aura of wish fulfillment, you don't have to make the character socially dysfunctional (which, knowing Hollywood's relationship with "avid comic book-reading teenagers," is the direction I assume they're going in here...) in order to explain its appeal.
Adrian Paul IS Black Adam! by Uncle Stan	Mar 9th, 2007 06:04:14 AM
Or steal Terrance Stamp's Superman II scenes and put him in a digital Black Adam uniform.
Does this mean Tim Burton is directing? by Blarney-Man	Mar 9th, 2007 06:42:46 AM
...
Shia Leabeowulf in talks for this. by Diagnostic	Mar 9th, 2007 07:39:10 AM
And Eric bana as a brooding shazam!
The Wizard -- Ian McKellen; Black Adam -- Oded Fehr by SpyGuy	Mar 9th, 2007 07:40:11 AM
And yes, they have to call it "SHAZAM!" because thanks to Marvel Comics, DC cannot publish a Captain Marvel series that's actually called "CAPTAIN MARVEL" even though Billy Batson debuted loooooong before Mar-Vell.
Black Adam casting? Batista from WWE? by Otter	Mar 9th, 2007 07:54:25 AM
Also, Warburton would be perfect for Cap.
actors taken... by theonecalledshoe	Mar 9th, 2007 08:10:38 AM
warburton- tick eric bana- hulk. They probably don't want to be typecast. See hollywoodland and figure it (typecasting) out. There's always the great unknown for this magical Captain Marvel. When will a kingdom come and marvel's spaceman Mar-vel come out?? animation is accepted.
Uh oh... by Howard the Duck	Mar 9th, 2007 08:13:28 AM
Sounds like a "breaking the fourth wall" type of concept. They better not do that. Meaning, Billy Batson better not be reading a Shazam comic in the film, and then becoming Captain Marvel based on the comic character's look.
Why a Sin City/300-esque superhero flick? by BizarroJerry	Mar 9th, 2007 08:16:51 AM
If these hyperactive, stylized movies based on GNs are popular (I'm guessing 300 is about to be), why not a superhero movie in the same style? That sort of look and feel to a movie seems to allow for the over-the-top look and feel that directors try to avoid trying to make the films "realistic". I'd like to see a superhero that doesn't need modified, bland, colorless outfits. Somebody's gotta try it eventually!
Yeah, superheros... hmm... often wearing masks, right? by Gwai L0	Mar 9th, 2007 08:17:37 AM
On that general subject, I had a query I wanted to throw out there, in case anyone could help: I have the whole and complete entire script for Rob Zombie's remake of John Carpenter's "Halloween," but I would prefer not to read it in its entirety. Could someone please be so kind as to direct me to the specific page number upon which appears the GOTTA TAKE A SHIT MASK, if indeed it is the case that said GOTTA TAKE A SHIT MASK does at all appear in said script? My profuse appreciations.
Ben 10=Shazam! by Anna Valerious	Mar 9th, 2007 08:30:00 AM
Total rip-off...and that one is going to be a TV movie directed by Alex Winter AKA William S. Preston, Esq.
Patrick Warburton or Neal McDonough by cowboyone	Mar 9th, 2007 08:35:02 AM
I think both those dudes could pull it off. Shazam is kind of beefy ... it's important to show the contrast between lanky boy and grown man. It should be VERY exagerrated Norman Rockwell style. Maybe look at father/son ators? (But NOT Will Smith, damnit!) No stuntcasting please!
The ONLY Captain Marvel that mattered EVER by Doctor_Sin	Mar 9th, 2007 08:44:32 AM
This is the ONE comic that I would live and die over. Seriously. Other comic-to-film fuck ups have been merely annoying and frustrating. If they screw this up...well, let's just say I'd be able to empathize with my Transformer-obsessed fellow TBers. The Shazam! world is dear to me - and this had better be good. No silly shit (well, at least no more silly than the comic) and no camp buffoonery. Damn, they better start reading the Power of Shazam comics. That is, imo, the gold standard for this character.
Actually, BizarroJerry, that would be perfect by Doctor_Sin	Mar 9th, 2007 08:50:14 AM
It would give the film a very "illustrated" look. Something like "Sky Captain" would even be awesome. As someone else said, this is the one comic property that sort of wears its silliness on its sleeve. I just don't want "Jim Carrey" or "Will Ferrell" type of funny. I mean, you can't have too much seriousness in a comic book where the hero battles a supergenius worm and is pals with a talking tiger in a plaid suit. It should be highly stylized and a "300" type of approach would be perfect.
NOOO!!!!! by phaedrus007	Mar 9th, 2007 10:03:44 AM
I'm skeptical over this whole "teenager learning to be a superhero from comic books" take. That's certainly not part of the original mythos and makes it sound like they'll be using the "Captain Marvel with a little kid's brain" version of the character from the 90s (which btw was a major failure in the failure in the DC Universe, a quick glance at wiki will show you how many times they tried rebooting and repacking this horribe insult to the original character). Get it straight August BILLY IS NOT CAPTAIN MARVEL... THEY SWITCH PLACES!!!! Billy doesn't need "Superhero lessons"... he has the god damn wisdom of Solomon already!!!
Shazam in the '70s by briantag	Mar 9th, 2007 10:10:45 AM
I was a child of the '70s. So I grew up watching Shazam and Isis on Saturday mornings. A strange mix of live action and cartoons (kind of like an early proto Power Rangers?). But since it imprinted on me as a kid, I liked it, and this sounds like it could be fun too.
Actually, they need to go back and watch the serial by Doctor_Sin	Mar 9th, 2007 10:44:17 AM
"Adventures of Captain Marvel" is one of the greatest serials ever, hands-down.
Black Adam casting? Batista from WWE? by Otter	Mar 9th, 2007 11:07:52 AM
Also, Warburton would be perfect for Cap.
Brendan Frasier by Immortal_Fish	Mar 9th, 2007 11:16:31 AM
Warburton is a great second, though.
A risky movie, indeed by shakeitup	Mar 9th, 2007 11:43:17 AM
I've always wanted to see this movie made, but the concept could easily become cheesy if not done in the right way. I'd like to see it set in the early '50s, make sure Billy B. really is a "kid" (10 yrs old or so). As for the villian, not sure... It's going to be a tough one to make. Good luck!
BizarroJerry, Dr.Sin...Dick Tracy did the "comic look" by Zartan	Mar 9th, 2007 11:54:59 AM
That was what, 1990? Alot of people didn't get it though.
im surprised it took this long by JimmyJoe RedSky	Mar 9th, 2007 12:05:05 PM
i really like captain marvel - alex ross's version comes to mind - long overdue for a movie - this could be very cool - like superman but a bit lighter - im all for it - the new jeff smith comics are great - perfect tone for a movie - funny and dramatic - like the 1978 superman movie
No one ever gets "the comic look." by Doctor_Sin	Mar 9th, 2007 12:30:09 PM
But I think that look could be polished up a la how "300" looks. I'm a big "Sky Captain" fan and would love to see a superhero film done up like a soft-colorized b/w film like SC. Superhero flicks don't all need to be grounded in reality. This is one of those "comic book films for comic book readers" that shouldn't be afraid to be comic book.
Anyone reading the new Jeff Smith... by Grendel745	Mar 9th, 2007 01:59:22 PM
Monster Society of Evil? From the creator of Bone, so it's already got a good pedigree and this is what I always envision when I think of Cap and Billy. The series really does harken back to a more innocent time and keeps the silliness intact without it being dumb. Sometimes re-doing a hero doesn't neccessitate a darker more realistic tone and I really hope they remember that when they do this movie. Out of all of the possible comic characters that could be adapted, Captain Marvel needs that sense of innocence and wonder.
Robin Williams as Dr. Sivana by Mr Incredible	Mar 9th, 2007 02:03:38 PM
Ha! Just kidding. Maybe for "Mr Jaws and Catfish: The Motion Picture", but for SHAZAM!--No.
holy crap by purplemonkeydw	Mar 9th, 2007 02:52:16 PM
this is the script he's been talking about on his blog? damn, if gomer pyle not involved i'm out! just kidding, this is stupid, i'm out either way. c'mon john.
Gotta support the team by jasper Stillwell	Mar 9th, 2007 04:50:48 PM
This could be fun. I love Wharburton and god he'd perfect for this - but isn't he a little too old now? I can imagine an all CGI version of this though - now THAT would be cool.
Warburton and the Rock by SlowBurn	Mar 9th, 2007 06:34:55 PM
If there is any justice in the world Captain Marvel will be played by Patrick Warburton and Black Adam will be played by the Rock. Think about it. That would be great. And maybe Ben Kingsley as Dr Sivana but I hear he can be... difficult. Please Hollywood don't screw this one up.
But then again by SlowBurn	Mar 9th, 2007 06:42:51 PM
maybe Malcolm McDowell might be a better Dr Sivana. Of course he would have to shave but I could see it.
Are they going to have Talky Tawny? by Jimmy Jazz	Mar 9th, 2007 07:10:43 PM
I used to read the reprint collection of the original Fawcett comics when I was a kid, and he was my favorite. The concept of a six foot anthropomorphic tiger being thrown in without a real explanation would be a trip and a half.
Get Captain Marvel to bear a kid and.. oops wrong movie by Se7en	Mar 10th, 2007 12:05:49 AM
Yeah, get him to have a kid. Better yet, leave the woman and the kid for four years (Guess ignorant is one his newfound powers) !! Hey, howabout returning, finding out about said kid and STILL REFUSING TO TAKE CARE OF HIM !!! Right. Just tell them that everything will be OK, because Captain Marvel will always be 'around'. Nice.
Why Bother? by TheGhostWhoLurks	Mar 10th, 2007 04:36:49 AM
They're just gonna screw it UP and get Shia LaBumstead, or whatever his name is, to play Billy, hire some meathead from Wrestlemania to play Captian Marvel and then get Tim Story or some equally talentless fool to direct the whole mess. If Hollywood can't even get SUPERMAN right, what's gives any of you the idea that they'll "get" SHAZAM in any way that won't make you dig your eyes out with a rusty spork?
This is a much better character than Superman by teethgnasher	Mar 10th, 2007 09:04:25 AM
Adults and kids will enjoy this movie. This character can bring a sense of awe to superheroes.
CC BECK Shazam was awesome by teethgnasher	Mar 10th, 2007 09:09:20 AM
Simple is better.
Rotoscoping would be cool in a comic movie imo by CarmillaVonDoom	Mar 10th, 2007 12:28:15 PM
Linklater wouldn't be a bad director for one either. If they have to do a Sandman movie, it should be rotoscoped or animated or not done at all! Shazam is cool; definitely one of the 'big guns' along with Supes, WW, etc.
Casting call....Clive Owen by davywankenobi	Mar 11th, 2007 03:40:50 AM
Evan Marriot(Joe Millionaire) had the perfect look for Captain Marvel, but sadly non of the talent. As far as Warburton, he's great, but I don't know what kind of shape he's in, plus he might be on the old side. Adrian Greniere(Entourage) might be able to pull it off, if he bulked up. Maybe too young there, though. I think my pick would have to be Clive Owen, if he'd do it. He's a bit rough for Cap, but he's a talented enough actor to pull it off.
What About Isis? by Evil Chicken	Mar 11th, 2007 08:23:42 AM
“Shazam and Isis were a staple on Saturday mornings in the seventies.” He said wiping a nostalgic tear from his cheek. I hope that JoAnna Cameron (Isis) is asked to be a part of it in some way.
Ugh. A teenager? by BizarroJerry	Mar 13th, 2007 11:22:39 AM
Not to be a fanboy hater... I mean, I'll make this complaint about just about any movie. Must everything revolve around teenagers? Can't we have a movie that stars an actual kid so kids can go see it and identify with him? Everything's gotta be so damned "mature"!

Talkbacks

John August screams SHAZAM! and turns into a beefy comic-adapting screenwriter!!!

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks