A while back (almost a year ago) we announced that DC was planning a feature film version of Captain Marvel – SHAZAM! Now we get news that they have found a writer! About time!
John August has been hired to write Shazam!, New Line Cinema’s adaptation of a DC Comics series featuring Captain Marvel, says The Hollywood Reporter. Peter Segal is attached to direct and also is producing with Michael Ewing.
The comic book series focuses on Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes the superhero known as Captain Marvel when he utters 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, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Aries, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury.
I have never been a fan of Captain Marvel. A lot of things bug me about him. Firstly, he is too much like Superman. Noble, strong, nigh invulnerable. Secondly, his powers are given to him by the Greek Gods – just like Wonder Woman. And lastly, his alter ego is a 15 year old boy who has a “day job” as a radio DJ. Lastly, his name is Captain MARVEL, (not Shazam) and it reminds me too much of Marvel Comics which is the direct competitor to DC. Yeah, not a big deal but it rubs me the wrong way.
The character is considered one of the core characters of the DC franchise, and is told to be more powerful than Superman. All these things have lead me away from the character as well as the readership. Despite claiming Captain Marvel is their most powerful hero, they still hold Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman as their core trinity of the DC Universe, and their greatest readership.
I am sure there are some Captain Marvel fans out there, but considering the character doesn’t even have a book in circulation right now, do we really need to see a Captain Marvel Movie? Maybe thats why its taking so long to move forward.
I think they should spend their money on something better. Like the Wonder Twins movie. Dont forget Gleek!
