Exclusive: ’13 Reasons Why’ Star Ross Butler Joins The Cast Of ‘Shazam!’

Following the success of the highly popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, Ross Butler has been added to the cast of DC Comic film, Shazam! DC Films Hub has exclusively learned.

The up and coming actor joins Zachary Levi, who will play the titular role.

Butler will play the adult version of Ian Chen’s character Eugene Choi, who at Billy Batson whim can transformer into the adult Shazam-powered version of himself. In the comics, he has the added ability to control and manipulate technology with thought.

Other adult superhero versions of the Shazam! family are said to appear in the film, with casting announcements expected soon. The reveal of the older versions of the characters may come as a surprise for some, as many expected the film to focus on the origins, with perhaps the potential sequel bringing in the other heroes.

We are unsure of how big a role Butler will play in the film.

I am really excited about this casting announcement, Butler is one to watch for the future after his starring roles in 13 Reasons Why and Riverdale, Bulter’s casting is another step forward in representation as he becomes the first Asian male to play a superhero role in the DC Extended Universe.

What do you make of casting news?

We have reached out to both Warner Bros. and UTA for comment.

Synopsis:

We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam, courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation) directs the origin story, which stars Zachary Levi (Chuck) as the titular Hero, along with Asher Angel (Andi Mack) as Billy Batson, and Mark Strong (Kingsman: The Secret Service) in the role of Super-Villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. The film also stars ack Dylan Grazer (IT) as Billy’s best friend and ultimate superhero enthusiast, Freddy, part of the foster family that includes Mary, played by Grace Fulton (Annabelle: Creation); Darla, played by Faithe Herman (This is Us); Eugene, played by Ian Chen (Fresh Off the Boat); and Pedro, played by Jovan Armand (Hawaii Five-O). Cooper Andrews (The Walking Dead) and Marta Milans (Killer Women) play foster parents, Victor and Rosa Vasquez, with Ron Cephas Jones (This is Us) as the Wizard.

Shazam! will hit screens April 5, 2019

Source: DC FILMS HUB