It was Voltaire who once said that if God didn’t exist, it would be necessary to invent him. It was screenwriter John August who said the same thing about Captain Marvel.
“If Captain Marvel didn’t pre-exist and there was just an idea of a 13-year-old boy who can speak a magic word and turn into a superhero — that’s a great idea,” the writer declared on the eve of turning in his completed draft for “Shazam.” “If it hadn’t been around for 50 years and someone just wrote it as a spec script, that would sell cause it’s a really good idea.”
It’s an idea whose time has come. A comic book film which centers on an unlikely hero, “Shazam” is “very different” from all “the other flying people in tights movies,” insisted August. “It’s not Spider-Man plus jokes. There’s really good comic potential there,” he asserted, revealing that his film — an origin story — owes as much to “Big” as it does to “Superman.”
“Yeah, I avoid saying that because that incenses certain people,” August laughed of the comparison. “But the people that are going to go see this movie opening weekend are going to be excited to see [action and comedy] together.”
And they’re going to see it very soon, August confessed. “I’m turning in ‘Shazaam’ tomorrow,” he said. “Literally, you’re keeping me from the keyboard!”
“I knew what I was getting into,” he continued. “In a sense, even with a character that doesn’t have the giant spotlight on him like Superman or Batman, there’s a tremendously loyal fanbase who have very clear expectations about what they think a Captain Marvel movie should be. What people tend to really forget is that I’m just pushing words around on paper and doing the best job I can. But it’s weird that there’s such a spotlight on a movie that’s just now 119 pages of 12-point Courier.”
The spotlight grows more penetrating: What do you make of a comic superhero? Sound off below.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Mr. August may also want to review some animation that’s out now like “Ben 10″, “Danny Phantom” and “American Dragon: Jake Long” for inspiration, if he hasn’t done so already.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:05 am
What? Why? They have nothing to do with Captain Marvel. You don’t need outside “inspiration” when you are working with good source material. If he just sticks with the comics he’ll be fine. It worked for Batman Begins and Spider-Man. Besides, those cartoons stink.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:07 am
will teth adam or Black adam as he’s more known take part in the movie?
im startin to read more into captian marvel since learning about black adam a year ago…
id be interesting see capt. marvel and black adam duke it out. as well as a background story from both unique individuals.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
I just have one suggestion…..
THE ROCK…… as BLACK ADAM….
That is all…
August 29th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
To clear up one point, Cap has been around (with a “vacation” or two) for almost SEVENTY years. Much of the myth since that era has changed so much that it doesn’t work as well if done exactly like the comics. Black Adam would be a great bad guy for the first time out of the shoot, but regardless I would hope that the one thing that they carry over from the original comics would be the comedy and chidlike innocence that August mentioned. That is an important part of Cap that DC has gotten away from more and more of late…
August 30th, 2007 at 2:55 am
I agree that if they stick to the source material, it will be better. Do not add in villians that were not in the comics. That does not work. It would also be great if you could get one or more of the actors who appeared in the Saturday morning “Shazam!” show that was on CBS in the 70s. Acutally, since that show did not have a huge cast, the only actors available are Jackson Bostwick and John Davey (who played Captain Marvel) and Michael Gray, who played Billy Batson. Les Treymane, who played Mentor, is deceased. Or maybe the lady who played Isis (Joanna Cameron) would be o.k. for a cameo. Just an idea. Keep it as close to the comics as possible and the movie will do great. Maybe introducing Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel would be a good idea as well, if not for this movie, then a sequel.
August 30th, 2007 at 7:58 am
As a fan of Superman and author of “Superman on Film, Television, Radio and Broadway,” I have to note that the reason Captain Marvel disappeared from comics for nearly 20 years in the 1950s and 60s is because DC Comics, who owned Superman, successfully sued Fawcett Publications, who owned Captain Marvel, for copyright infringement. Nonetheless, Captain Marvel returned in the 1970s - as a DC Comics character. The original comics, illustrated by C.C. Beck and usually pitting Captain Marvel against Dr. Sivanna, were really delightful. It’s also interesting that when Republic Pictures plans for a Superman serial fell through, they instead produced “The Adventures of Captain Marvel” in 1941, widely regarded as one of the best movie serials ever made. If the new Captain Marvel movie is as much fun as the serial, we’re in for a treat!
August 30th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I’m just glad the movie is being made. Its about time someone stepped up to it.
August 30th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
I was always partial to the Shazam character as a kid, but don’t really see the need to turn this into a feature film- it just seems like jumping on the bandwagon of following Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Iron Man, etc..
Is there that much of a fan following to warrant a 2-hr film on this character that WON’T go straight to DVD?
Jim
beforethedarktimesdotcom
August 30th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
The hope and ideals that the character of Captain Marvel brings are awesome. He is, as Superman says in Kingdom Come, the only one who can walk on the worlds of both “Gods”, as Captain Marvel, and “mortals”,as Billy Batson. I believe a movie that could depict the innocence of a young man’s honesty and heart combined with that of the knowledge of Soloman, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zues, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury could never fail as an epic blockbuster that would provide not only a good show, but also a good moral that so many movies lack today. That’s why it “WON’T go straight to DVD.”
August 30th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
owes as much to “Big” as it does to “Superman.”…
I’m a huge fan of Big, but that statement feels me with trepidation. Either it takes itself seriously or it will fail.
August 30th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
I look forward to a movie about Captain Marvel. The comment that the movie owes as much to Big as it does to Superman sounds promising I believe, particularly as the possible arising situations of a 13 year old boy in a super heroes body would appeal to a much wider audience than just those, like myself, who are just happy to see a comic made into a movie.
Unfortunately there are going to be those people who routinely criticise super hero movies, like good old Jim above, who is now posting his criticism before the movie is even being produced. Of course when such people are unhampered as anything as pedestrian as ‘the facts’ they possibly don’t have a terribly challenging job. (Ghost Rider and Daredevil did not go straight to DVD, and Iron Man is not out at the movie until next year - Additionally the directors cut of Daredevil was much beter than the initially released version, I felt).
The only concern I have about the comment discussing the mixture of ‘big and superman’ is I hope they mean Superman from the comics or the Justice League cartoons - unfortunately in Superman returns I felt Superman was a little limp wristed. (Although the action stuff was pretty cool). A shame they didn’t do what was done in batman begins.
August 31st, 2007 at 6:52 pm
My cast :
Brandon Molale as Captain Marvel
Jake Cherry as Billy Batson
The Rock as Black Adam
Ed Harris as Dr. Sivana
Terence Stamp as The wizard
Megan Fox as Mary Marvel
Devon Werkheiser as Captain Marvel Jr.
August 31st, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Jake Cherry (Night at the museum) as Billy Batson.
September 2nd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Definitely Brandon Molale as SHAZAM.
Can anyone else be SHAZAM? For the first time in a very long time, there is a character who resembles the character to a “t”. And, it helps he wants the role.
Regarding “As much ‘Big’ as Superman”, well, superhero comedies have not worked, and have actually ruined franchises. Anyone remember Batman & Robin? Superman 3, Green Lantern with Jack Black (thankfully, that one got ruined before it could destroy the franchise).
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 am
I started a blog to publish a short story every day for an entire year and today’s story is about a Comic Book Nerd.
Would love to know what you thought of it. It’s at http://topwritecorner.com/2007/09/03/comic-book-nerd/
and I hope someone likes it.
Cheers!
September 4th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I’ve been actually thinking and wishing Captain Marvel should be made into a film, considering he is an icon not pretty much of a superman, but a respected hero. When I saw one the episodes of Justice League Capt Marvel fighting Superman, it really lifted my heart & anxious at the same time, that this red-costumed superhero is one heck of a symbol himself (not to mention hi kiddo side, which makes him a lot more interesting.)And that his story is somewhat magical. So, to Mr.August and company, I will salute you on your hard work on making this film “Captain Marvel”. Shazaam!!!
September 4th, 2007 at 9:56 am
I am a Superman fan and there was a time when I did not like the character of Captain Marvel but after reading kindom come I wish there was a movie made which had Superman and Captain Marvel slugging it out , would’nt that be spectacular
September 4th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I’m a big Superman fan but when I was a kid I purchased every Shazam comic that came out. I think a movie is over due for him but I also think that if it’s a campy movie I won’t go see it. Shazam is a charcter that has grown into an icon. The only reson he isn’t on the level of Superman is because DC won’t let that happen. If Geoff Johns ever gets a chance to do his book I think the real potential of his place in DC will come out but please make it a serious movie with some comedy but with a real story line. Thanks
September 4th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
While the whole idea of Big meets Superman is a fun approach, I would love to see Miracle Man be the movie to be made.
September 5th, 2007 at 1:31 am
If any source material need be referenced; see ALEX ROSS.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Kevin, I am thankful that I am not the only one who noticed that Disney’s Jake Long: American Dragon is a definite copy of Captain Marvel (kid in red shirt says magic word and turns into giant red superhero). The success of Jake Long shows that the Captain Marvel concept is viable. I’ve been a Captain Marvel fan since I first found out about him in the 1970s. I am seriously thankful that he’s being made into a movie. Don’t stray very far at all from the source material is the message for superhero movies (see the flop of the Underdog movie as the latest example of changing the basics with disastrous results). Tamper with what people know and expect, and they won’t go see it, or buy it.
September 8th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I Seriously do not want a gay cowboy as Capt Marvel I can handle one as the Joker, but not the Captain. So let the “narrow minded biggot” replys ensue.
September 8th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I did not put anything durogatory in before cowboy, just another word for happy or homosexual. Just to clear things up.
September 12th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I am seriously worried about this movie. From the outset, John August has shown how little respect for the source material he really has. “There’s really good comic potential there”? “But the people that are going to see this movie opening weekend are going to be excited to see [action and comedy] together”?
Captain Marvel/Shazam is NOT comedy material; like any other hero in the DC Universe(with the possible exceptions of Ambush Bug and Blue Beetle) he deserves to be taken seriously and with respect! I freely admit I’ve never been a major Captain Marvel fan, but why doesn’t August take a look at the Captain Marvel serials of the 40’s and see how seriously the character was treated! From what’s been said about this movie so far by the Powers-That-Be, I guess we can all expect C.M. to be delivering “sly” one-liners while doing pratfalls. While the Captain should probably not be written quite as grim and brutal as in the 40’s serial, August would get an idea of what REAL writing and how to treat someone’s creation with respect is all about!
September 21st, 2007 at 7:53 am
New Line MUST hire Alex Ross to be the film’s creative consultant and script advisor. Legend has it Elvis Presley was a great Shazam fan…the movie should use his songs in the soundtrack (IF I CAN DREAM would make a perfect theme song). Michael Nesmith would be a great choice to compose the instrumental score. My cast wish list: Brandon Molale as Capt Marvel, Omar Sharif as Shazam, Joe Pesci as Sivana, Oded Fehr as Black Adam, Stacy Keibler as Beautia, Micky Dolenz as Uncle Dudley, Dan Aykroyd as Sterling Morris, Jim Belushi as Mr Tawny, Tom Selleck as Nick Bromfield, Catherine Hicks as Nora Bromfield, Alan Alda as Freddy’s grandpa, and three Disney Channel/Nickelodeon type 11 year olds to play Billy, Mary and Freddy.
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:53 am
I think both Peter Segal and John August shoud be fired from the project. New Line should farm the rights out to Walden Media to make the movie.
September 30th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Hello,I’m so glad that it will finally be a movie about a true hero-Captain Marvel-known to all as SHAZAM.I hope that they don’t overdo the humor in the movie.Add kind of a touch of seriousness to the role & the mystique.Have marvel use his unique powers in real life & impossible situations,that is worthy of the wisdom of Solomon.Captain Marvel is a strong character that can stand on his own without the help of his family & Mr. Tawny.Let the movie be about the introduction of Marvel & his getting use to the wizard and the discovery of who he is and his destiny. C.M. was the first to surpass the over-rated Superman in sales for sometime back in the day.I strongly believe that C.M.has been sabatoged in comparison to supes & other heroes.He is a major icon and should be treated with great RESPECT! In my opinion,he never had a serious writer and the art was too cartoony,except when the artist Alan Weiss did the awesome cover & story in SHAZAM # 34 & 35.I hope that the movie takes off and does very well.I know that I’ll probably get some words from some S fans ,but I know there are some SHAZAM fans that will probably agree with me about Capt.Marvel.In closing I just want to say…Say the word & feel the Power…SHAZAM! Long live Capt. Marvel,may someone finally give him his due with Dignity & Respect.Sincerily Vincent Harper.Thank-You.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
For a great C.M. movie script idea you need to look no further than Jerry Ordway’s Power of Shazam graphic novel. It has a great origin story and loads of action. The big screen fight between Cap and Adam has breath taking potential. With a little more attention given to Billy’s character development it would be great. Geoff johns would be the perfect consultant on that issue. I’ve never seen the character written any better than it was by him. One more thing, let Cap stand alone in this one. Introduce the family in sequels.
November 24th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
This movie will sucks balls if Segal and August have Captain Marvel acting like a child. SHAZAM is not BIG. When Billy transforms into Captain Marvel, he is no longer just Billy in a superbody. He has the wisdom of Solomon and is mature. They (he?) may share the same personality and memories, but they (he) are different…at the very least, they might be the same person, but from different points of thier (his) lifespan. Alex Ross must be brought in as a consultant on this movie, or it may be doomed. I agree the movie should be fun and have lots of humor, but it cannot, must not be a full blown “action-comedy” or sink into campiness.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:18 am
I am greatly anticipating the release of SHAZAM. I have always been a big fan of his. Just please make it in the style of Batman begins or Superman Returns. If it turns out to be a looney tunes show I will not even see it for free.