Asher Angel has joined the ‘Shazam!’ movie.
The ‘Andi Mack’ star has been cast to play the teenager Billy Batson opposite Zachary Levi – who will be his adult superhero alter ego Captain Marvel – in the new DC Extended Universe movie, Variety reported.
David F. Sandberg is helming the new movie which has been penned by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke.
On Instagram, Sandberg confirmed the news that Angel has been cast in the film and wrote: "I was hoping to break the news about @asherdovangel last week with this photo but had to wait a bit (sic)"
The hero was created by C.C. Beck and writer Bill Parker back in 1939 and first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 a year later.
‘Shazam!’ follows Billy Batson, a boy who can transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word "Shazam".
The name is an acronym of the ancient world gods and historical figures: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury.
Mark Strong is also in talks to star as the villain of the film and Grace Fulton will play one of Angel’s friends.
Levi, 34, recently admitted he is "honoured and humbled" to be cast in the film.
He took to Instagram following the casting announcement and wrote: "Honored and greatly humbled to be a part of the #dcuniverse by bringing the original Captain Marvel to life.
"I am beside myself with gratitude, not only for this opportunity but also the incredible outpouring of love and support from so many of you out there in the world. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in the gym for the rest of forever. (amazingly cool art courtesy of @bosslogic) #Shazam (sic)"
Captain Marvel’s arch nemesis is the supervillain Black Adam, who will be played by Dwayne Johnson in a separate film which will build to a future big screen adventure in which they will both clash.
Recently, Johnson, 45, confirmed he was offered the opportunity to play both DC Comics characters, but decided to take on Black Adam because there’s more depth to his backstory.
Asher Angel joins Shazam! movie
