Wrestling Icon John Cena And Joshua Sasse Rumored For Lead Role In Shazam!

That Hashtag Show is reporting today that Joshua Sasse and John Cena (Bumblebee) have emerged as early frontrunners for the lead role in Shazam!

No official announcement from Warner Bros. just yet, but it’s understood director David Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation) plans to get the cameras rolling early next year ahead of an expected release in 2019, where the DC solo movie would join Wonder Woman 2 and, presumably, The Batman.

Assuming THS’ findings hold true, either Sasse or Cena will play the souped up version of Captain Marvel, Earth’s mightiest mortal, with an alleged casting call revealing that Warner’s DCEU is also on the hunt for an actor between the ages of 12 and 15 to play the young Billy Batson.

Male, 12-15 years old. A teenager who becomes Captain Marvel, the world’s mightiest mortal. Granted access to incredible powers by the wizard Shazam, he speaks the wizard’s name and is struck by a lightning bolt that gives him the powers of the gods.

Joshua Sasse is undoubtedly the lesser known of the two, and it’s worth keeping in mind that both he and John Cena are merely rumored for the titular role. That being said, That Hashtag Show has a fairly commendable track record when it comes to superhero scoops – particularly those concerning Sony’s Silver and Black spinoff – so don’t be too surprised if Warner winds up selecting a fan-favorite in the vein of John Cena, or someone like Joshua Sasse, for the coveted gig.

The tentative synopsis, meanwhile, is as follows:

Based on the DC Comics character “Shazam!” Billy Batson becomes Captain Marvel, the world’s mightiest mortal, when he says 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, strength of Hercules, stamina of Atlas, power of Zeus, courage of Achilles and speed of Mercury.

Shazam! has officially entered pre-production under the watchful eye of David Sandberg, so expect a casting announcement to arrive sooner rather than later. April 2019 is the current target.