Not only has the big screen adaptation for the DC comic Superhero Captain Marvel (aka Shazam!) been green lit, but they’ve also got their director on board now, Peter Segal, who also directed Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Longest Yard and even some non-Adam Sandler films too.
I’ve already got huge doubts about this project. First of all, it would have been much more feasible to do a Shazam flick BEFORE a new Superman flick (considering Marvel is just a poor man’s version of Superman), secondly, the fact that they’ve contracted a primarily comedy director also gives me the ugly shivers. The good folks over at CHUD had this insight for us:
Look, here’s the deal: Shazam sucks. I can’t imagine the character (known as Captain Marvel, although he’s a DC Comics character) was even considered cool in the 1940s. Even an attempt to make him menacing in Kingdom Come didn’t erase childhood memories of the crappy TV show (part of the Shazam/Isis hour!). Trying to turn him into some kind of cinematic icon post-Superman Returns just seems like a colossal waste of time, effort and money when so many more interesting comics could be adapted for the big screen.
While I personally have some pretty happy memories of Shazam as a little kid… I can’t entirely disagree with the CHUD guys either. I think this is a mistake. Oh well… I guess we’ll just wait and see
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so)Just be sure to give the Captain his respect.And don’t hold him back.He has the power of some of the most powerful gods in Greek Mythology,including the King of the gods Zeus.
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so)Im a Shazam/CaptainMarvel expert have been since the life action series with Michael Gray and Jackson Bostwick palyed Billy Batson and CaptainMarvel(No Offense John Davey),but when you do this movie take your time in doing so.This movie shouldn’t look well cheesy.
First and foremost I love this forum about Superman versus Captain Marvel. The two heroes have similarities and differences that stand out very much. The similarities in powers are recognizable and must be addressed. As we all know both of these characters are technically “gods”. Superman has the abilites given to him by the sun (which his father knew before sending him to earth) and in our sun he would have alien abilites far beyond those of mortal men. He is considered an “alien” god that can go toe to toe with the earthbound mythological gods of yesterday. In various comics in the past, it has been pointed out several times that the longer he is exposed to the sun, the more powerful he will become and soon even his weakness to kryptonite will pass.
Kal-el was raised by honest mortal parents with good morals, allowing him to be pure of heart and good in character. Superman being raised as such, sees the world in factions of black and white without understanding areas of gray.
Captain Marvel being born with an honest and good heart was abused by a cruel uncle, keeps his innocence proving his steadfastness in extreme situations even though as young Billy didn’t have the power to do anything about it until meeting the wizard. This is a story exhumes baravery and and inner strength because of the wizard’s ability to choose young Billy to champion his cause to rid the world from the 7 deadly sins that have plagued the gods and mankind for so very long. Since the wizard serves the gods and works in conjunction with them, he is allowed to choose a second champion that will not succumb to the 7 deadly sins that he fights against. (ie Black Adam-Teth) Young Billy Batson invokes the wizard’s name and becomes the world’s mightest mortal!
With the powers of 2 gods, 1 titan, and two epic heroes he is virtually an unstoppable force for good without the weaknesses of Superman.
Captain Marvel’s one true weakness proably would be considered his naivete’ at taking people at their word and believeing in people to be honest and true. Although in the (real) world his wisdom ability from Solomon will make up for this and allow him to learn from any mistakes or being taken advantage of in various situations.
This ability of wisdom is the major difference between the two individuals – because anyone can grow in power but without being continually wise in all actions or choices power really means nothing without the forethought/foresight to apply it correctly to the various situations.
So what does this all mean? A movie about Captain Marvel can work and it can be set back in the original time period because it will involve several different aspects that will prove to be interesting.
1. Young Billy dealing with his heavily abusive uncle.
2. Meeting the spirit of his dead father to lead him to the wizard.
3. The wizard explaining to him that not only will he be able to champion the cause for justice and rid the world of the seven deadly sins but fight the enemies of the wizard and fight the war against the enemy axis! Doing all of this while trying to make it to school on time will be quite a busy story.
To play up the seriousness of the war and the situations of the hero Captain Marvel should be played by an unknown actor – usually a known actor will overshadow the story. With a character like this there need to he some changes made as well. Billy can be young enough to have lived in orphanges once cast out by his cruel uncle and kept a pet (teddy bear or tiger named Tawny the Tiger)the tiger is like an imaginary friend that talks to him as Billy but that is where it should end. Black Adam should be around in all 3 movies, as the main villian and recruits other villians that we all know Cap fights.
Another change should be the talking worm. (Like the Movie wrath of Kahn the worms should be used to take over peoples minds – also like the story in the Kingdom Come book.)
Finally Uncle dudely should be humerous but not involved with the Captain Marvel role (ie he doesn’t put on a costume and shouldn’t know about Billy’s secret identity)and last but not least, Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. need new names and shouldn’t be mentioned until the second and third movies. Thank You.
TO MR.Doblina,
Justice League is hardly the vehicle to use for referring to how great a hero is. The Comic Books and Graphic Novel involving the Justice League- Not that pissy excuse of a cartoon- have shown that, due to Captain Marvel’s Mystic/magical abilities, in addition to Superman’s weakness to magic being atleast as great as the kryptonite issue, Captain Marvel is more than a match.
When imbued with the stamina of Atlas-who carried the planet on his shoulders, the Strength of Hercules, who-not being a Titan or god, also bore the weight of the World on his shoulders. Include the power of Zeus, king of the gods and the guy who put all the titan’s into confinement, the courage of Achilles, the Speed of Mercury- the fastest of the gods, who in the comics put the Flash in his dust during the “War of the God’s” saga, The “Big Red Cheese” isn’t a wuss. Captain Marvel has fought Superman 3 seperate occasions and only lost when Eclipso had took him over- and of course the greater factor- It was a Superman Comic book. The ‘unwritten law’ of comics- regardless of which title or company is the visiting hero never defeats or gets the upperhand on the name sakes comic book. Die hard comic fans who have read titles for over 30 years will tell you I’m right. Kudos or the visiting hero’s life is owed to the comic book’s hero.
In regard to the Justice League Cartoon- watch the commentaries of the 1st season per their creators. Secondly Wonder Woman was not in the same power class of strong characters… John Byrne (ack ptui!)reworked @#$@!’d-up various characters he took the title/book to work on. On the Team, Superman is the obvious top dog. He should be hittting people hard enough to put them in orbit. Martian Manhunter was number two with his physique to do serious damage, and barely out of second is Wonder Woman. Green Lantern is the protector of a whole sector of space, not merely Earth, and that’s why the ring is the most powerful item in the universe. The power ring has shown repeatedly it could save cities, planetary invasion forces, and the like;yet Green Lantern is having issues with two or three moderate problems or a single super villain. John Stewart is cool at being portrayed as a bad ass in the cartoon- therefore my favorite of the group. Wonder Woman only flew without a plane when Hermes gave her a set of his flying sandalswhich she tied onto her boots…
The program has potential, and many episodes, barring strange origins or introduction of heroes,was pretty good. Despite the trouncing of Captain Marvel, I would love to have that episode-merely because I am such a fan. But If you watch the whole episode, There was a big message there. 1. Captain Marvel wanted to find less violent/destructive means to deal with a crisis. 2. Batman, who only liked Wonder Woman-the romance; Batman liked Captain Marvel over Superman-calling him a breath of fresh air. Superman grew jealous.
3. Superman began the carnage which destroyed the 2 block area of volunteer housing for the poor. 4. Batman knew there was some setup by Lex, but was the voice of reason. Superman’s hatred of Lex Luthor was noticed by everyone-concerning Wonder Woman too. 5. everything Captain Marvel said as he resigned was dead on accurate. He did the right thing without having to drop to the villain’s level, and Superman epitomized a hero out of control, and very much what Batman had distrusted Superman of becoming- of course this is like the pot calling the kettle black, but a valid point. So,disregard the 70’s camp, look at the 40’s Whiz and Captain Marvel Comics, then the Power of Shazam, and the graphic novels whith Marvel in it, and the Kingdom Come saga Marvel is noble, and more than capable of dealing with Superman, and Superman was also an illegal alien-lol Some other planet tosses him here…no papers, sure he can do good work but so can other illegal aliens from other countries-lol (showing absurdity by being absured here) but Marvel is a home grown 15 yr old whose heart was viewed as being worthy of the power of Earth’s Mightiest Mortal. SO, I too anticipate further news of the movie, desperately hope for 1 calorie of ‘campy’ but that it is to be done well.
Have a great day!
I agree with the concern of a comedy producing individual as being part of the team for the SHAZAM! Movie. Secondly, The commentary of “poor man’s Superman” is pure drivel. I have the same advice for this person as I would for those producing the movie and those who only know the 70’s Shazam series: READ THE DAMNED HISTORY OF THE CHARACTER!!!!! the 60’s and 70’s were victims to the “camp” mentality.
Batman was camp-Yet there were good Batman movies The first, and the latest come to mind as best. As for Superman and Capt. Marvel. Cpatain Marvel was the first ‘flying hero’ of the two. Captain Marvel’s WHIZ COMICS out sold Superman by more than 4 to 1…so much so, that the company that put out Superman Comics took Fawcett (The company who produced comic books) to court to force them out of selling Captain Marvel. They lost the first two times, then trumped up more allegations, even Dr. Sivana was out before Lex Luthor as bald villain. Superman lost 4 cases but had much more money, and after 12 yrs of being tied up in court and depleted funds for their own publishing Fawcett gave up Captain Marvel, and quit putting out it’s 16 comic titles. Shortly after, Marvel Comics got the rights to the name, and used it for their Kree Warrior Mar-vel to the title Captain Marvel. The Similarities end there. Simon and Shuster went with a alien from another world. Fawcett went with a benevolent wizard/6,000 yr old protector who found that a 12-15 yr old boy was pure of heart, good character to become the new champion of Earth and the people. Being reminded of the Seven Deadly Sins, that killing wasn’t the way, and though being given powers and abilities of medittereanian gods and heroes, the Wisdom was from the wisest person on earth- Solomon. The stories went to the same manner as Superman, Batman, and the heroes of the period- on occasion because war time writers wanted to bring more light hearted ways, but they stories were decent. DC bought the rights to use Captain Marvel- apparently there was some admiration to the character, and since the writers to Superman were going ‘darker/more grim’ in scope, they felt Camping SHAZAM! comics and some readers from the past would build readership.
It did, and was popular enough to be in other titles. The 70’s on tv was the age of ‘camp’. The least of which was “Green Hornet” they took it off because it was regarded as not campy enough; and the Batman production team squawked because Green Hornet was becoming more popular- this became evident when they had the Green Hornet Batman crossover episode-this is the famous encounter where Bruce Lee as Kato was so pissed he had a tantrum over the stupid scripting of the episode:Batman and Robin were to fight. Batman was to beat Green Hornet, and Robin was to kick Kato’s butt. Lee said Kato could have kicked both Batman’s ass, and Robin’s ass. He stormed out, and production was delayed two days. As for the SHAZAM! Movie I whole heartedly agree “DON’T CAMP THIS UP!!!” The special effects for speed could be used from the first Star Trek Movie, or maybe the Flash’s from the series. I’d want them to keep the origin like it was. There still are teens living on the streets, kids make a quick buck by selling papers-perhap’s helping a news stand vendor, the subway could be done as a manifestation of magic ala Harry Potter’s Train or the Double decker bus, but it let out at the cave, perhaps with the atmosphere of Tim Burton then the trench coat stranger would light the braziers which would reveal the cave, the statues of the 7 deadly sins in ominous and frightening form…and proceed exactly as the comic-SHAZAM introdues himself, the eternal vigil, that he is looking for a new champion, a new hero to defeat the forces of evil. As a matter of fact, a great idea would be to put the whole movie in a darker format-aka Constantine or supernatural thriller where his “Magic/mystic” abilities would go after ‘forces unleashed’ much like “The Mummy” or some artifact. The Wizard give Billy Batson the low-down, and to complete the deal has Billy say the wizards name. The granite block falls, crushing the body of the wizard [Billy points it out, but the Wizard said the final fate is not something that can be so easily avoided; that one era must end for a new era to begin] Billy’s transformation into the champion form is related to his hero was his father, hence the similarity mentioned in the awesome “Power of Shazam!” series. and the costume was that he felt a costumed hero/ world champion would look. Billy would have his mind, but would be charged with ‘concentrating on’ controlling the awesome powers. This would be the lighter moments that the superhero movies show for characters [except Batman]. Captain Marvel can do Superman-like stuff, but be a mystic champion- to be there when people make the wrong choices that bring huge consequences on others- hence the 7 deadly sins. The movie has plenty of potential, as long as the characters/actors are good, the storyline is great, and the special effects suppliment, but not over-power the actors and the movie itself. I don’t think they need an Uncle Dudley-as per comics. But I can see: Billy’s parents were killed- leave mysterious circumstances or element of some mysterious outside force for the sequel..ala Harry Potter; Billy was to stay with an uncle, perhaps the dad’s older brother who’s well-to-do, but the darker side is a jerk, the money was collected- the uncle exhibits many of the 7 deadly sins, introduce Uncle Dudley as the other brother or perhaps the mother’s brother, a kinder gentle, yet better role-model which in an arguement over Thanksgiving Dinner points out those traits and that the bad uncle will stay a miserable old man (like Ebenezer Scrooge)and needs to be open to handle that rock hard heart of his. Billy was sympathetic to Uncle Dudley. Billy’s inheritence was to be controlled by the uncle, and he cashed it and tossed Billy into an orphanage like place which was a dreg hole in the poor side of town. Billy and others lived on the streets. The end of the movie has Billy glad he did the act, and Dudley show up in his RV seen at Thanksgiving, and Dudley said he would home school Billy-knows Billy’s secret and mentions that a ‘stranger[in a trench coat] showed up and explained that Billy has a destiny which goes beyond one city- a destiny for greatness, and that Dudley is to be the mentor, and as Billy gets in, they buckle up, and Billy looks over and says “Where to Mentor?” Dudley has a stuned look on his face with the name, and then they both laugh as the camera pans back and the RV drives off. Now the story can take place anywhere, and if any writers want to put a SUPERNATURAL/Mystic ‘Mission Impossible’ spin to it, the door is open. This will give tribute to the original story, the TV series, and be a vehicle for the future. To add a fan tingling twist, have Dudley look at Captain Marvel and say “better you than me. I couldn’t imagine me in an outfit like that.” The cave which has the Wizard-has egyptian/greek/roman motifs, and when the Wizard says if in great need you can find me here, have it explained that the cave is in a dimensional location -with the sequel revealing it as the famous “Rock of Eternity” with dimensional and space special effects like Zarathrustra or whtever that space game movie is. But this is material which can make it a great movie, have people anticipate a sequel, and perhaps at the very end of the movie have a group who started a ritual to a portal earlier have part of the final components roll into place or ooze into place and the portal illuminates and swirls and Black Adam appears and looks around, then the screen goes black and the credits roll. The perfect plot hook and motivation for fans to demand the sequel.
Give Shazam a shot! I don’t see how they could srew it up more than Superman. What’s with the kid??!! If Superman returns picke up after Superman 2, Lois has a kid 9 months later??? Lois ,the Daily Planet’s #1 reporter, never questions HOW??!! Am I the only one with that problem? The kid was a lame idea!
It would be tough for a Shazam flick to get that off center!
Other than similar powers the 2 have little in common, and at least
Shazam wears his undies inside his pants!
jetsons porn
To all that don’t know and need to understand, Captain Marvel is not a copy of Superman. Plus if you know your history Captain Marvel was thought of before Superman in the same era, Superman got out to the comics first. Plus how can a boy that meets a wizard and gains special powers from each letter of the word he utters be a copy of Superman. Hmm let me see there is another superhero that has the same powers from the Greek Gods just like Captain Marvel but, she is not called a copy, Wonderwoman. If you just started reading comics becasue all these superhero movies have been coming out starting with Xmen(2000) I think you don’t know what your talking about. Captain Marvel Rocks Kingdom come was a great comic and yes I have it. TY!
To all that don’t know and need to understand, Captain Marvel is not a copy of Superman. Plus if you know your history Captain Marvel was thought of before Superman in the same era, Superman got out to the comics first. Plus how can a boy that meets a wizard and gains special powers from each letter of the word he utters be a copy of Superman. Hmm let me see there is another superhero that has the same powers from the Greek Gods just like Captain Marvel but, she is not called a copy, Wonderwoman. If you just started reading comics becasue all these superhero movies have been coming out starting with Xmen(2000) I think you don’t know what your talking about. Captain Marvel Rocks Kingdom come was a great comic and yes I have it. TY!
I recall going to see the Saturday afternoon serials in the movies as I was growing up. Superman with Kirk Alyn was one of my favorites. I recall reading both Superman and Captain Marvel comic books. I actually preferred Captain Marvel. In fact, if you will look at the history of comic books you will see that Captain Marvel comics began to outsell Superman comics. It will be fun to watch Captain Marvel.
P.S. No matter how many times I said “Shazam!” I never changed into Captain Marvel.
The whole Dwayne Rock Johnson rumor is not valid. It was started by some wrestling geeks and the net picked up on it. Besides, since the Rock’s last few films have died at the BO, I doubt the studio would risk casting him. My idea is to go with an unknown. I would say either Colin Eggelsworth, an unknown who has been in All My Children and Charmed (see his page on imdb), or Daniel Cudmore, who played Colosus in X Men 2 and 3. Mark, Devon Werkheiser is on the Nickeloden series “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”. He is a perfect pick to play BIlly. IMO, I’d rather see Disney Channel tween star Kay Panabaker as Mary, and “Zoey 101” actor (and Errol Flynn’s great-grandson) Sean Flynn is a great pick for Freddy. Ex Monkee Micky Dolenz is perfect to play Uncle Dudley. I couldn’t picture anyone else in the role…likewise Jim Belushi as Tawny. I’d like Hannah Montanna sidekick Emily Osment (Haley Joel’s little sister) as Billy’s girlfriend Cissy. If Stacy Keibler can act, she’s be a geat Beautia, otherwise go with Marnette Patterson of Charmed or Nip/Tuck’s Kelly Carlson. Omar Sharif is the only choice for Shazam, but the idea of Michael Keaton in the role kind of intrigues me, also. For Joan Jameson, I’d like to see either Jennie Garth or Christina Applegate. For Mary’s adopted mom, Nora Bromfield,how about Catherine Hicks from 7th Heaven ? How about Carol Burnett for nanny Primm ? Jesse McCartney as Whitey Murphy ? Dan Aykroyd is great pick for Mr Morris, but Martin Mull might be good, too. Director Peter Segal really needs to go back to the original draft of the script by William Goldman and bring in Paul Dini to work on any rewrites. Superman may have come first, but Captain Marvel is the superior hero. SHAZAM!!
Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84…
I think making a Captain Marvel movie is great. We are in a time where we all need a superhero to be there for us. I’m an actor/director myself, and I’m for one going to try my hardest to get on the new movie. Just in case I don’t make it, I’m also writing my own CAptain Marvel screenplay. I’ve even sent a letter to Jackson Bostwick whom if you remember, played Captain Marvel in the 70’s. I’m hoping that he’ll want to be in this one if the new film doesn’t make it to the big screen. In either case, I’ll be one of the first ones in line to see whichever one makes it first. Bringing comics to the big screen is a good idea because we all grew up reading comics and wanting to be a superhero. So I’m all for bringing this character to the movies if done correctly and not as a comedy. Make it worth while to everyone.
Thanks for taking the time to read my comment.
Hey the Superman knock off junk…is just that. I understand the lemmings all following the hype and call Marvel a wanna be…..but that just shows how people cant think or see the obvious.
I might as well have called the Hulk movie a knock off of the Green goblin in the Spider man movie….”Come on…he is GREEN” some lemming would say.
They have a completely different origin. In the beginning….they didn’t even have the same powers in the 1940s.
Superman Jumped…. ya know the “Leap tall buildings thing”….Shazam flew.
Shazam was the first at throwing around cars like frisbees then Superman got a “Power Boost” so he didn’t look like a 90 pound version of Marvel.
They have completely different weaknesses……
Kryptonite and magic for Superman gets his big blue kicked.
Shazam always had more problems coping with life as Billy.
He is the insecure kid that suddenly has the weight of the world on his shoulders. In the current comic version he is depicted as a homeless kid that lives on the street trying to stay out of the foster home.
Ya wanna talk gee whiz Kidd stuff….Clark had parents and a stable home in “leave it to Beaver land”.
Billy has to work a night job at the docks as a Man in disguise so he can eat as Billy during the day.
It is all about taste and what people like. I love chocolate ice cream…some like vanilla…..the whole point is ….they might both be ice cream….but that’s about it when you look at them together.
As far as the whole who would win in a beat down…..it is all about popularity and BS. MORE THAN ONCE in the comics….ya know the source for these characters….Shazam BEAT down Superman. All Star Squadron 35 AND 36 BABY……
Then there is “The Clash” on TV.
I must admit “THAT WAS AN AWESOME FIGHT”
With a big budget new movie coming out who would have sat by and let Superman get his head handed to him by a fellow hero. Even if I didn’t agree with the outcome…it was cool to watch.
I admit I love the Shazam Captain Marvel character and I always have been upset that DC never took the time to showcase what was and still is an awesome story.
God I hope the movie doesn’t suck…….
What man who was ever a boy that saw that stupid TV show DIDNT play on the play ground and under his breath….say the magic words….
Shazam….and then look up in the sky to see if something happened?
I did…..still do.
I agree with this post the main problem is the powers at dc never truly tried to make Captain Marvel popular. I have a thought if you want to make him less child like make Billy a 22 year old man. The wish fulfillment is still there going from a normal human being to a super human with just one magic word. The movie does not have to be a comedy to have humor laced in it just look at James Bond movies and The wild Wild West tv show.
I agree with Mr Dobolina for some casting roles. However, you know hollywood. Usually miscast. Look at Batman. After Micheal Keaton, all others do not fit that image of Batman. Well, same will happen to SHAZAM! with bad casting.
Some of your choice, Mr Dobolina, excellent especially Spencer Locke As Mary Marvel. For Billy Batson… I never seen that actor and do not know if he is perfect for the role. I still want to see an actor with true Billy look. Bit of chubby but firm look.
JC?? Jim Caviezel?? Ummmm… no. He is well known for acting a real life superhero namely Jesus Christ. Secondly, Jim Caviezel has that different look. Wish it was Fred MacMurray but there is an actor already rumored to play Capt. Marvel: Dwayne Douglas Johnson (known to you all: The Rock) who played roles in movies such as new version of Walking Tall, Scorpion King, and The Rundown. Trouble is, he is not a caucasian as Capt. Marvel is shown.
So, another actor playing Capt. Marvel will be needed. Omar is excellent to play SHAZAM! Wizard from Egypt. Funny, Omar IS from Egypt and has that look. Perfect!
Now, about that Superman Returns. I know that the movie flopped. I did not see it because Christopher Reeve just passed away not too long ago and still in mind HE is THE Clark Kent/Superman that Hollywood should NOT have ruined. Like Steve Martin played Inspector Clouseau which ruined the reputation of the studios that it was the late Peter Sellers played as Clouseau and it was clearly said in Sellers’ final Pink Panther movie, “To the one and only Peter Sellers” meaning never allow another actor to play that role. It may work for James Bond but NEVER make any remakes too soon after a series or movies previously shown. Superman.. that was about 20 years or so ago. Original SHAZAM! movie was in 1941–that is 65 years ago! So, it is ok to make a new movie much older than 50 years.
Now, back to the subject. Sorry for going off.. anyway, I pray that the new movie, SHAZAM is major improvement from that horrible saturday morning TV show I used to watch. It may be bad but I enjoyed it! The TV show may looked like it was filmed in a backyard by some kids but this movie should be very professional!
If not, I will scream SHAZAM! and get those guys in hollywood to shape up their xxx and make movies right! Ha ha.
Enough is enough…. To the last comment about Superman sucking, all superheros would have to suck if you say that including Captain Marvel, you inch worm.
First of all he was a straight BITE of the superdude! There was war and chaos in the 40s much like today so what the hell, make a spinoff of the greatest hero alive, that doesn’t have any apparent weaknesses except a good honest beat down.
I think that Singer is saving his best superman flick for last or 2nd to last, let’s face it, in 4 months of shooting he didn’t punch out 1 badguy in this long awaited answer to Quest for Peace. The XBox game has more action…
I want to see the two of them fight on the big screen as depicted by Justice League episode “Clash” (superman proved his satmina and strength to be greater). Let’s concentrate on a Justice League Movie that’s full of action and heroes.
Get the Rock to play Captain Marvel whoever to direct it and let’s be done with it. You cannot say the superman sucks. You can choose to not like him, but truth, justice, and the american way be told, the first hero will always be the best one. Better, stronger and faster (except the Flash.) who is faster….
Thanks for grabbing my attention. A shazam movie will be good supes fodder! But remember, superman can kick his ass anyday!..and he should…! He’s Super, Man!
Recognize Bitches..!
Enough is enough…. To the last comment about Superman sucking, all superheros would have to suck if you say that including Captain Marvel, you inch worm.
First of all he was a straight BITE of the superdude! There was war and chaos in the 40s much like today so what the hell, make a spinoff of the greatest hero alive, that doesn’t have any apparent weaknesses except a good honest beat down.
I think that Singer is saving his best superman flick for last or 2nd to last, let’s face it, in 4 months of shooting he didn’t punch out 1 badguy in this long awaited answer to Quest for Peace. The XBox game has more action…
I want to see the two of them fight on the big screen as depicted by Justice League episode “Clash” (superman proved his satmina and strength to be greater). Let’s concentrate on a Justice League Movie that’s full of action and heroes.
Get the Rock to play Captain Marvel whoever to direct it and let’s be done with it. You cannot say the superman sucks. You can choose to not like him, but truth, justice, and the american way be told, the first hero will always be the best one. Better, stronger and faster (except the Flash.) who is faster….
Thanks for grabbing my attention. A shazam movie will be good supes fodder! But remember, superman can kick his ass anyday!..and he should…! He’s Super, Man!
Recognize Bitches..!
First of all Superman is a great superhero but that being said the Justice league fight was total bullshit. Captain marvel is stronge faster more invunrable and has far greater wisdom and stanima then Superman. To replenish marvel just has to revert to billy batson then back to marvel to be at 100% power again. Those writers wanted Superman to win so he did. Check out the two All Star Squadron the shows the maun of steel getting his ass handed to him the the Captain. In public enimies once again in both the comic and the movie Captain Marvel wins the fight.
I am a Shazamaholic, and I cannot wait for this film (Superman sucks and he can go to hell)!! The film should be a fun adventure film with humor, not unlike the first two Spider-Man movies, or even “Fantastic Four” and “Batman Forever”. I hope Segal brings Paul Dini on board to work on the script, and he needs to put Elvis Presley songs on the soundtrack (the King was a Captain Marvel fan as a kid, and collected the comicbooks, and its rumored he based his hairstyle, jumpsuits and “TCB” lightning logo on Captain Marvel Junior).
My ultimate cast wishlist is:
Jim Caviezel as Capt Marvel
Omar Sharif as Shazam
Devon Werkheiser as Billy Batson
Joe Pesci as Sivana
Oded Fehr as Black Adam
Stacy Keibler as Beautia
Micky Dolenz as Uncle Dudley
Spencer Locke as Mary (Batson) Bromfield
Sean Flynn as Freddy Freeman
Dan Aykroyd as Sterling Morris
Keri Lynn Pratt as Joan Jameson
Kay Panabaker as Cissy Sommerly
Jim Belushi as Mr Tawny the talking tiger
Tom Selleck as Nick Bromfield
Cheryl Ladd as Nora Bromfield
Alan Alda as Ebenezer Batson
Tony Curtis as Grandpa Freeman
With a good screenplay, director, cast, budget, etc., any comic book should make a good movie. Bad movies based on comics are the fault of those handling the adaptation, not the source material. That said, some projects present bigger challenges than others, and Captain Marvel’s universe is definitely one of those. The Spider-Man and X-Men movies are set in a universe that is as normal and realistic as possible, and that works for them. Not so much for the Fantastic Four movie, which I think needed to be more fantasy-oriented to really tap into the spirit of the comics. (Can you imagine such key FF characters as Moleman or Galactus & Silver Surfer working in an X-Men or Spider-Man sequel?). I think the Shazam movie needs to be even more stylized than that to be successful, otherwise it really will come across as the poor man’s Superman that people are accusing it of being.
http://oblivionteam.blogspot.com/2006/04/from-billy-madison-to-billy-batson.html
i think it makes sense to get a comedy director. shazam! was a very light-hearted comic strip in its original form (pre-DC). his nickname is “the big red cheese,” and one of the villains was a tiny worm!
and don’t forget that shazam comics OUTSOLD superman comics in the 1940s, despite whatever CHUD may say about him not being cool back then. learn your comics history, people.
Isis. Wonder Woman. Elektra Woman and Dyna Girl. Then you have Charlie’s Angels and the Bionic Woman. TV made sure I didn’t skip puberty. Here’s a good EW/DY pic:
http://www.70slivekidvid.com/electra/electra1.jpg
…. …. … you mean… shazaam wasnt supposed to make me laugh in the comics?
i always thought it WAS intentional!!!
On a follow up note, I will confess Dedre Hall turned my heater up in her Elekta Woman getup on those Saturday mornings…
What’s up Campea?!
http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=6416
===the actual link. You linked to Pete Segal IMDB sheet (twice)
Oh, yeah. One other thing. If Segal really had to, he should consider a new version of Greatest American Hero, because the joke was intentional. Shazam! is just a bad joke, although the Shazam! vs Superman comic from the late 70’s was classic…no, Shazam is just one of those characters that is welcomed when brught back into comics pages…only fading out because soon thenew batch of readers discover what the old batch of readers bitched about, and why during the Shazam/Isis hour, everyone loved Isis.
I would like to see a Shazam movie. Every superhero is going on big screen these days, may as well include Shazam.
I have to agree with CHUD’s comments too even though my brother and I loved watching Shazman! on Saturday mornings. I know the show was horribly cheesy, but as a kids we didn’t care it was a superhero show and we liked it.