Shazam!!!

[Webhead2006]

wouldnt be against it.

 

[Panthro]

I know he is one of those choices that is hard to take serious because everyone suggests him for everything, but I truly think Nathan Fillion could knock Captain Marvel out of the park

The squinty eyes, the cheesy stance. He ain't the spitting image, but most of the appeal is in the performance.

Can't see Nathan Fillion as Captain Marvel. Sorry. Would have made a fine Hal Jordan, but as the Big Red Cheese, not so much.

 

[cerealkiller182]

His skill set and what he wants to do are both much better suited for CM than Hal Jordan

 

[Panthro]

His skill set and what he wants to do are both much better suited for CM than Hal Jordan

Still not seeing him as Captain Marvel. And I doubt they'd pick him even if he wanted it, not when there's an insistence on keeping 9 out of 10 superhero actors under 30 or just at 30 when casting them.

 

[cerealkiller182]

Still not seeing him as Captain Marvel. And I doubt they'd pick him even if he wanted it, not when there's an insistence on keeping 9 out of 10 superhero actors under 30 or just at 30 when casting them.

Not sure what heroes your talking about. Christian Bale, Ron Perlman, Wesley Snipes, Hugh Jackman, Edward Norton all of them over 30 when chosen to play their respective heroes. And now their talking to Clancy Brown for Lobo (possibly). Even Ryan Reynolds is over 30.

 

[Panthro]

Not sure what heroes your talking about. Christian Bale, Ron Perlman, Wesley Snipes, Hugh Jackman, Edward Norton all of them over 30 when chosen to play their respective heroes. And now their talking to Clancy Brown for Lobo (possibly). Even Ryan Reynolds is over 30.

When was the last time you saw them cast someone over 30 to play Superman? And at least 3 of the guys you mention were in their early 30s as opposed to late 30s or early 40s. Additionally, Ron Perlman was wearing prosthetic makeup the whole time, which made his real life age a moot point.

 

[Billy Batson]

I know he is one of those choices that is hard to take serious because everyone suggests him for everything, but I truly think Nathan Fillion could knock Captain Marvel out of the park

The squinty eyes, the cheesy stance. He ain't the spitting image, but most of the appeal is in the performance.

He has that Jackson Bostwick's essence going on.

 

[cerealkiller182]

When was the last time you saw them cast someone over 30 to play Superman?

What does Superman have to do with anything? Hes just one character. There are plenty of other characters portrayed by people over 30 as already shown.

And at least 3 of the guys you mention were in their early 30s as opposed to late 30s or early 40s.

They are still over 30, which was your "rule"

Additionally, Ron Perlman was wearing prosthetic makeup the whole time, which made his real life age a moot point.

Prosthetic makeup does not make his real life age moot. You obviously seem to think age is just the lines on your face. Age has so much to do with Ron as Hellboy considering his age makes him less recognizable to the main demographic of superhero movies and his age would definitely hinder his ability for stunt work.

If age is the only reason Nathan Fillion can't be Captain Marvel than that just seems ridiculous since there is literally no rule that he needs to be young except when the fanboys make up trends from only 2 characters (Thor and Superman) not counting Spiderman because hes supposed to be highschool/college aged.

 

[Panthro]

It takes more than doing the fists on the hips pose to make someone a viable candidate for Captain Marvel. Fillion, affable a performer as he is, doesn't have it.

 

[cerealkiller182]

It takes more than doing the fists on the hips pose to make someone a viable candidate for Captain Marvel. Fillion, affable a performer as he is, doesn't have it.

I didnt use his fists as the only evidence.

Fillion besides his fists has broad shoulders and a square jaw. He looks a hell of a lot like a superhero template (almost). He plays strong-willed characters with immature sense of humors perfectly, combined with his comically expressive face, it makes for the perfect performer for the young Batson mind in the adult CM body version. It aslo aligns with his goals, seeing that while he considers himself mainly a comedic actor he stills wants to play a superhero.

 

[Octoberist]

Fillion is not right for Captain Marvel at all.

 

[Bren]

Fillion besides his fists has broad shoulders...

Wow, if he's got broad shoulders, then I must be a 'roid-infested olympic swimmer!!!

Just kidding. I agree fully with your assessment of his acting talents and personality for the role.
He just doesn't look like Captain Marvel at all. And looks do count for something in this case imo!

 

[Octoberist]

to me, Captain Marvel is equivalent to Tyler Durden's role in Fight Club: Tyle is suppose to be a male model looking dude who is suppose to be 'perfect'. That's how I think of Captain Marvel. When Billy turns into Marvel, he suppose to be what a 'man' should be like: square jaw, classically handsome, and whatever.

Hell, I would rather get Jon Hamm (he has the look; just needs to bulk up) for this, instead of Fillion. And it's nothing against Fillion, but he doesn't fit it at all.

 

[Webhead2006]

New interview with Co writer Bill Birch:
http://www.cinefools.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=1360

Shazam writer Bill Birch speaks
Career, Films and of course Shazam

​

Hey my fellow movie lovers. We were lucky enough to shoot some questions to Shazam writer Bill Birch. Even though the man is knee deep in Shazam he gave us some time and answered the below. So get a beer,cocktail or orange juice, chill out enjoy the interview.
Firstly, you started your career with Crew work and acting but with your recent success with writing are you looking at focusing on writing?
I came to L.A. years ago as an actor and had success in mostly television and commercials but found that while the occasional work paid the bills it wasn't enough to completely satisfy my creative side. After spending a few years performing with the Groundlings Comedy Troupe, where you had to write your own material, I found myself gravitating more towards the writing side. Even though I occasionally still do commercials I consider myself a full-time writer now.
You’re currently listed as directing/writing the Weekend Warrior. Can you tell us more about the project? Also is directing another area you want to go into?
Weekend Warrior is a comedy that I sold to Warner Brothers as a pitch about an inept home repair do-it-yourselfer who accidentally opens a portal to Hell in his basement and then has to stop the impending apocalypse. It's an action comedy in the same vein as Men in Black or Ghostbusters. Those are both films I love and the types of movies that I think need to be made more often. Dean Parisot, who directed Galaxy Quest, is actually attached as the director to that and he’s going to knock the hell out of it.

​

You have also written One Finger Salute. The story sounds brilliant. Can you tell us more about the project?
One Finger Salute was my first writing assignment. It's based on a real group of guys in the Air Force in the 1950's who were researching outer space and the possibility of putting a man up there way before Sputnik, NASA and the term "Space Race" even existed. These guys were freakin' studs. One of them strapped himself in a rocket sled and blasted down a track going 630 miles per hour then came to a compete stop in 1.5 seconds and lived to tell about it. Another guy jumped out of a balloon 20 miles above the earth to test a parachute. He free fell for 4.5 minutes coming close to breaking the speed of sound on the way down. The project was wallowing in "development hell" at Warner Brothers for over ten years until my version brought some life back to it. Interestingly, Pete Segal became attached to that project after reading one of my drafts. We developed another draft together and during that time a great collaborative relationship was born. He asked me to give him and his producing partner, Michael Ewing, a take on Captain Marvel and that eventually led to me getting Shazam. FYI, Pete's a freakin' stud too.
How did Peter Segal come onboard ? Also with him being a long time Sandler collaborator ,could we see Sandler involved?
Pete's been involved with Shazam since 2006 so it's been a long and winding road for him. I don't know the details of how he originally got involved but I can say he's very excited with the way this new version is shaping up. And Sandler as Marvel? It would definitely be a bold casting choice. Maybe Rob Schneider as Black Adam? I can see the poster now! Ok, that was a bad joke. Pete's never mentioned Sandler.
Obviously the one fans are going crazy over is that you are now writing Shazam with Geoff John? How did this come about?
Okay, first of all let me say that Geoff Johns is also a freakin' stud. He's young, smart, creative and has this crazy encyclopedic knowledge of everything DC. He's so cool I almost hate him a little bit. Thankfully I've been able to put that hate aside and I've enjoyed every minute we've spent working together while breaking the new Marvel/Shazam story. Geoff and I are in the thick of it, creating a kickass update that still honors the lore that's been created in over 50 years of Marvel storylines.

​

Shazam has been in development hell for so long, have you had to look through previous scripts or starting fresh?
I've read some of the previous versions and we're starting fresh.
Are you a fan of the comic book and if so what storylines inspired you?
I have four older brothers so growing up and we always had comics around the house. While Superman was probably the one we read most we did having a few Shazams around. I remember being fascinated with the idea that a kid could just say "Shazam!" and become a superhero. It's the ultimate in wish fulfillment and obviously that will be a theme in the script. I was also a religious watcher of the 70's TV show. You couldn't beat Shazam! followed by Isis could you? They just don't make TV like that anymore. (Actually after watching some Shazam! clips on You Tube I'm glad they don't. It's pretty bad but as a kid I remember it being awesome.)
In a time when comic adaptations are expected to be gritty and dark is Shazam the project that can be made for families or is dark and gritty the expected road for Capt. Marvel?
The way the story is shaking out, Geoff and I see this not as "dark" as Dark Knight but definitely as cool. It'll probably end up with a PG-13 rating.
What is the most important aspect you want to bring to Shazam?
Tonally I think it's important to successfully find the balance of comedy and danger in the story. That’s a major aspect I’m focusing on. Frankly hitting the right tone is what’s going to either get this made or keep it in development hell.

​

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was at one point attached to play either Capt. Marvel or Black Adam (I think he decided he’d rather Black Adam) is this still the case? If so does it make it easier to write with him in mind or does it inhibit the writing process knowing who you’re writing for? Who, personally, would you love to see in the Billy Batson role?
My rule of thumb is that no actor is committed to do a movie until the first day of shooting is over with. (And sometimes even then the cast can still change) I know that Pete Segal and Dwayne have a relationship that was solidified when Pete directed Get Smart. As far as him being committed? I'm sure it'll all depend on the script. That being the case I don't write with anyone in mind. If the characters are solid it will attract good talent and then there will always be a rewrite to address the talent's concerns. Usually at that point in the process is when you start writing for that specific actor. More than likely the role of Billy Batson will be an unknown but the role of Cpt Marvel? I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he’s Green Lantern that’s not an option. Honestly I don’t think too much about it since I have very little say in the casting decisions.
What other projects are you currently working on?
Right now I'm working on a straight comedy in the vein of 40-Year-Old Virgin along with Shazam. Since Shazam has lots of magic and action and it's nice to balance it out with a story about a character that's just a regular guy.
What do you want to achieve in Hollywood?
I want to continually write and find projects that are interesting, challenging and fun. I also want to continue to mine relationships with good directors and producers that make the collaborative process enjoyable. So far so good.
So thanks to Bill for his time and I am dying to see Shazam . Boo Yeah

Nice to see development is still moving on the project. Hopefully it can get into production stage sooner rather then later. Though maybe like some of us think at that big DC meeting coming up in a few months. Maybe they will be revealing official plans on what is going on with certain projects. Now i see this project likely to be given a go and maybe be set for lets say a 2012 release, maybe announce a new producer/writers for WW and have tentative plans for release, and then i can see maybe flash coming around too maybe for 2012/2013 time frame.

 

[Octoberist]

I've been noticing that WB and DC are going after new talent for the writing gigs; Shazam, The Flash, and Sgt. Rock all have newcomers writing the scripts.

 

[terry78]

Glad he's giving a rundown on what he wants the flick to entail, which does sound faithful.

 

[Webhead2006]

Yea sounds like this guy and geoff johns want to honnor the source material on the character. That is always the best move you can do when you are making these types of films.

 

[batdude]

I'm actually glad he mentioned the TV show. Maybe we will at least get a Jackson Bostwick cameo. between him and Johns this at least seems to be in good hands

 

[Webhead2006]

yea i am sure who ever does end up officially directing the picture would want to contact guys who either voiced the character in animated forms or any of the actors who where in the cheesy 70s live action show and are still alive/acting to have a cameo.

 

[Webhead2006]

yea i am sure who ever does end up officially directing the picture would want to contact guys who either voiced the character in animated forms or any of the actors who where in the cheesy 70s live action show and are still alive/acting to have a cameo.

 

[batdude]

I;m just talking about a cameo. Not for everybody who did a cartoon voice either.

 

[Webhead2006]

i know i was just saying in general its always nice in these live action films or newer tv series to bring in actors who had previously had a role in a different take of said character.

 

[MadVillainy]

I know nothing about Captain Marvel except for Kingdom Come and some animated stuff. This project sounds promising.
I wish more DC writers would do this like the guy who's writing the Flash

Hope this project turns good

 

[wellsy]

Good to hear there's still some life in this.

Of course, time will tell...

 

[Webhead2006]

totally this has been on and off for what 3-4 yrs now. Hopefully this time its different and will get to production stage. I agree hopefully more dc guys like johns and those other two wolfman/3rd guy i keep blanking on name. Get invovled either as official script writers, a treatment script(with screen writers staying in contact with) and all that for other upcoming films.