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Those with relatively good memories might remember that director Peter Segal was working with DC Entertainment to develop a movie based on the Shazam property some years back. With Man of Steel having jump-started the DC cinematic universe, does this mean we’re any closer to seeing Billy Batson on the big screen?
According to Segal, it’s just the opposite. “Now that Superman is being invigorated and going up against Batman, I think it’s difficult for DC to figure out how to launch this character in the wake of Superman’s resurgence,” he told ComingSoon.net.
STORY: ‘Shazam!’ Remake Names Writer
“At its core, it’s a lot like Superman,” Segal said when explaining his take on the character. “There’s this boy trapped inside of a superhero’s body. He’s still a boy inside, so there’s this opportunity to play a lot of humor with the action. Originally, Stan Lee brought me Fantastic Four a number of years ago for that very reason. I always have the question when people bring me superhero properties, ‘Why me?’ With Stan, he said, “It’s because there’s a sense of humor within all Marvel characters.” These characters are flawed and, within those flaws, there is humor.”
He went on, “When [producer] Toby Emmerich came to me with Shazam, it was because of those same reasons. To draw from that humor and to mix it with great action and pathos. I’ve always loved Shazam, but I don’t know if it’s going to see the light of day anytime soon.”
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