Shazam! Zachary Levi on Becoming a 'Bona Fide Superhero' (Exclusive)

ET sat down with Levi during New York Comic-Con 2018 where he discussed making the move from Marvel to DC and the possibility of joining the 'Justice League.' 'Shazam!' hits theaters Apr. 5.
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[@28nagkun]

Zachary Levi is hysterical. Shazam is definitely piquing my interest now.

[@pramitmajumdar9963]

The story from which the movie is roughly based is one of my fav DC comics stories of all-time. You should check it out.

[@Disney65Fan]

I'll probably watch it for him since I became a fan of his since Tangled.

[@margaretseddon4653]

Gavin says: a comedic superhero is something we need right now as well as Chris hemsworth's Thor ! This guy makes effortless use of comedy hijinks all round and a nutty hero to boot!!!!

[@luckyDancer100]

Not to be dumb, but what channel is it on?

[@monkeyleaper22]

One thing I really appreciate about Zach is that he takes his time answering a question haha. Ask him a question and expect to be there for the next 5 minutes hahaha. He cares about the questions and his fans. That’s awesome.

[@erikciel2817]

you mean his manager...geezs

[@tofelipwithlove1150]

@@erikciel2817 not his manager, him. He's the one answering the questions. If he was just being told to be like that when he doesn't feel like it, it would totally show.

[@Zee_1003]

true. in all of his interviews, he's always been appreciative of compliments while remaining humble and he's well aware he owes it to the fans...

[@blue83galant]

THIS is the Captain Marvel i want to see!

[@johncameron4194]

YES!!!

[@Polishjazzman]

Not Captain Marvel, his name is Shazam.

[@man-bear-frog5130]

Brie Larson is a joke

[@dotkor2023]

@@Polishjazzman look up his original name

[@joezervasquez4132]

The real captain marvel is here

[@jayquanvo5134]

Really hope Shazam is successful. Zach is such a great guy and soo enthusiastic about his character. He’s perfect for it. His energy, levity is infectious. Not too mention he’s a comic/pop culture geek like the rest of us.

[@marcismael9506]

He's perfect for this role

[@mshatters28]

OMG he's so enthusiastic it's infectious, looking forward to seeing the movie!?!

[@ruebze]

I love him. He's so sincere and warm... I watched and love Chuck and I know he's just a down to earth geeky comic book guy. Now the reaction are out and people saying that they believe in Zach as Shazam just like Jason as Aquaman, Gal as WW and Henry as Superman... it makes me so excited but so damn scared of spoilers. I clicked veeeery carefully and once i heard like 'uh oh this gonna be spoilers' I logged out immediately ahahahah

[@ismailtopa3671]

Finally WB cast a true fan of the superheros medium

[@viper619ful]

Here comes Shazam team and Levi trying to SAVE the DC universe. Hoping they could save it. And the girl goes really well with Levi....good chemistry there

[@marcozolo3536]

Viper King wtf, who cares about that, we just want the movie to succeed and turn a new leaf for the DCU

[@viper619ful]

Marco Zolo yeah . Same here

[@anitak3985]

Eh. DC doesn't need rescuing 😂 Ye'all are getting hysterical for no reason... But Wan and Sandberg are directors in Jenkins' mould and we are blessed to have these guys making these movies...

[@marcozolo3536]

Anita K agreed, Shazam is going to hit it out of the park same with Aquaman, and WW84 is gold already. Also awaiting the new James Gunn Suicide Squad 2. That will be 4 for 4. Putting DC back on the map

[@jasonhearn5818]

it can save DC and i think the movies gonna do really well especially with the kids being to relate to a teenager turning into a magical superman like characters and its gonna make at least 800mil...

[@BruceHunsaker]

His passion for this role is awesome! This movie looks so fun.

[@josedias5978]

I'll wait patiently here TBR and TBH I know it's going to ROCK

[@seanjun_]

"Say the magic word"!!!

[@josedias5978]

It's going to be completely Cool and Cooler

[@raminybhatti5740]

It's weird but I could've seen him play Batman. Obviously he hasn't done anything to date that suggests he could play that kind of role, but he has the look and stature.

[@donovanluu4613]

Down to earth dude!!! Awesome!!!

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@calebstephan2083]

I hope they don't nerf him

[@heroebennett]

shazam in a jla movie?.....shut up and take my money !!!!!!!!

[@RenewUrMindEnt]

The Real Captain Marvel...

[@willmac623]

Open them like Magneto, not the jedi!

[@anandjitrajbhar3910]

freddy references game of thrones, does that mean jason momoa is aquaman or a dothraki

[@quietdemon8138]

Anandjit Rajbhar it would be funny if there’s a scene of Arthur (aquaman) watching the show and he says ‘that dude looks familiar’.

[@TheJayair]

If Warner not DC makes a mistake and replace Shazam with Superman in the live action movie. This character will be made infamous just for that.

[@anitak3985]

What?

[@navy0287]

@@anitak3985 I think he means there might be a backlash from Superman fans if Shazam is pushed as a his replacement. A lot of people were looking forward to another Superman film, and it doesn't look like Warner Bros wants to make one anytime in the foreseeable future. If Shazam is a bonafide success, WB will definitely want to put more focus on him. The more delusional Superman fans may resent the Shazam character for taking Superman's spotlight, rather than blaming WB for making poor decisions with Superman.

[@anitak3985]

@@navy0287 Ah. Okay. DC may want Superman to take a backseat for now. I'm okay with that. I'll miss seeing Amy Adams as Lois though. She was an awesome casting.

[@uchihasasuke6267]

11 dislikes from BP fans

[@BlueCheeseBand101]

Chuck

[@superboy08]

8:37 i feel you mr. levi....

[@Mohith7548]

Hey, someone stop him. He is spoilng the movie, by leaking it.

[@madrid1010]

Too bad Henry got fired

[@samcalven12]

Sean Madrid you can't fire someone who isn't under contract...Henry contract was up with Justice League, and he has been in the renewing stage. That's why some people think he left on his own, not fired. Because if you are not under contract ,firing you is not an option for the studio.

[@anitak3985]

Well...he's a star and of course, wants more movie... That's one thing with the DC movies - some of them have become bigger stars since being first cast and that's going to affect these movies. Proud to see Cavill, Affleck, Gadot, Momoa, Miller becoming bigger stars 👌🏽

[@ElwoodPDowd1970]

He is Geralt in The Witcher, potentially for a while.

[@purplespark8]

But he isn't even fired. Not yet anyway

[@joesotoneuromonitoring6123]

That movie looks horrible.

[@greengreeneya2102]

Lol Shazam is the real Captain Marvel. Not that Marvel rip-off.

[@comixsfan767]

You don't even need a trailer, Levi sell's it on his own!!

[@estherk5786]

I honestly watch all of Zachary Levi's interviews on KZbin. He's so eloquent, charming, and funny AF. Have you guys seen him on The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel? He's spectacular!

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@milvache]

Zachary Levi has bulked up. He is the perfect Shazam

[@anitak3985]

Right? I thought it was me... but he is really getting bulkier... Makes sense that Sandberg talked about a new suit, they have to fit Zach accordingly...

[@margaretseddon4653]

Gavin says: instead of Hulk smash we have: captain Marvel make us laugh!!!

[@jeff3186]

He has a baby face in the trailers.. i prefer him with the beard

[@dobi287]

What about john cena?

[@noonesbusiness959]

Come on now that suit is NOT all him. No way he would have lost all that mass and definition (wait he had none in the suit) in such a short period of time. He's healthy looking and has a SHAZAM face but he doesn't have the size of Henry Cavill.

[@chanaihabru3694]

Levi knows alot about comic world. He is a fan and a superhero himself. Nerd hero love it just how much he is in to it.

[@kailashsingha4073]

Vain glory > Mobile legends

[@steelsheen]

i still remember when he was doing NerdHQ. i miss those times.

[@roldanigualdo3098]

@@steelsheen and because the film succeeded maybe he would bring it back?

[@cccant26]

Who else cried a bit when told the story of joining justice league "if this goes well"

[@siddhupol]

i did. i wanted justice league to succeed 😔

[@sammunoz2112]

The Dceu is getting better if they keep it going the second movie will get the green light

[@hotgritz4sho]

Aitor Karanka I hope it all goes VERY well for him! This actor is what this genre is all about-total appreciation and respect for comic books and their heroes.

[@ravisoren007]

DCEU needs more solo movies to get proper Justice League Movie - Patty Jenkins

[@sammunoz2112]

Ravi Soren I agree Shazam, ww84,flash, Batman, and a proper MOS sequel then JL followed by Cyborg

[@ssa3101]

HYPE METER Shazam: YEAAAAH!!! Captain marvel: meh

[@priyotomo203]

But shazam is captain marvel.

[@janetatum8966]

He's really just the best!

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@calebalwayswill7423]

This guy talks about his job with as much wonder as the character he plays

[@AmitZinmanVideo]

If only they could find a role for Yvonne Strahovski in the movie...

[@calebalwayswill7423]

@@AmitZinmanVideo. Well then I'll just get greedy and insist that Adam Baldwin turn up somewhere

[@AmitZinmanVideo]

@@calebalwayswill7423 He's busy working on the Serenity sequel.

[@I-speak-U-shut-it]

@@AmitZinmanVideo Yvonne Strahovski should had played Captain Marvel. She has the body for it😍😍😍

[@jasonfella265]

@@AmitZinmanVideo Totally!! haha

[@captainsarcasm1327]

I love Zachary levi, he's the guy that will get you smiling no matter what. I remeber when I watched tangled and heard flynn rider (voiced by the man child that I love to death.) I just instantly started smiling knowing that it's was gonna be a funny movie that I will cherish and watch again. But I can't wait to see him on the big screen as shazam. When it comes out I'm gonna watch it with my family and my twin sister from another mister. Cuz she loves the same type of movies as I do which is action but also comedy so I can't wait to see it with her and get her reaction.

[@mrmickeyrich]

I hope you and your sister enjoy this movie as well, but I wish this movie would sooner. It's gonna take too long.

[@captainsarcasm1327]

TheRichRoom yeah I know right. I keep watching the trailer wishing that the movie would just come out now instead of this year.

[@fayis4everlove]

but did u see Chuck though?

[@mischiefmanaged1726]

Zach is genuine Shazam like he literally is, a perfect fit for the Universe atm can't wait for him to be a part of the Justice league.

[@JasonBorn89]

They should do 'Justice League Crisis on two earths' live action

[@samantarizzi248]

He’s perfect for this role, and any other for that matter. He’s the best, I appreciate him as an actor very much. Love this guy.

[@dcfanforlife533]

apart from that, you're beautiful

[@omarelsherif4125]

@@dcfanforlife533 Calm down bro

[@anis909]

@@dcfanforlife533 don't stroke her ego, your better than that bro.

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@alexsaunders3741]

Wow he's really handsome and he's funny. Full package right there

[@jasonfella265]

I've always loved him. Such a great person and actor. I'm happy to see him getting the exposure he really deserves.

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@kurtbader9711]

Chuck is poised to become a cultural icon. Well deserved, looking forward to it. Good luck Zach.

[@e_G_o_05]

Damn... Chuck’s been workin out...

[@AmitZinmanVideo]

Intersect 3.0

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@cabalpaxiarch7239]

I'm so excited about this movie. The idea of a kid that turns into a superhero with an adult body but is really still a kid inside reminds me of Tom Hanks' "Big" and I love that movie and think it's a very interesting idea. Also I'm leaning more and more towards DC these days. I've kind of had my fill of Marvel. Looking forward to Aquaman as well.

[@kingcodester1112]

Cabal Paxiarch Basically Big meets Superman which means it'll be awesome

[@akadeath13]

Zachary Levi might be my new favorite superhero actor/actress. This guy is totally loving it. He just seems so happy with this opportunity, and you can see he really did his homework with the character and all the superhero stuff, no snarky comment or anything. He's like Chris Pratt and even more adorable! How can anyone not want to see this guy on the big screen?

[@Disney65Fan]

Well I'm a child too haha. Girlchild? 😂😂 Zachary comes across as a very down to earth, charming, devil may care,quick witted guy. So underrated. He has never won an Oscar nor a Golden Globe. Wishing him the best in the future. Here comes the smoulder.... Tangled

[@StanleyKuo184]

I will go see Shazam just for Zachary Levi. He's a comic nerd whose enthusiasm for playing a superhero is so palpable you can feel it oozing off him when he talks about it. Big + Superman? I am so there.

[@brianlopes1461]

Based on other vids of him I’ve seen, he genuinely seems like a cool dude.

[@joedbermas9090]

I'm not a dc fan but I wanna watch the real captain marvel

[@kompanjonac]

GIVE US SHAZAM ARMWRESTLING SUPERMAN IN THE NEXT JUSTICE LEAGUE

[@Disney65Fan]

All I can hear is Eugene Fitzherbert talking haha😂😂😂

[@ImenBen12]

You can see and hear how passionate he is!! So so happy he's Shazam! He really does deserve it! I hope he makes it in justice League. Chuck VS Justice League 😜

[@Abhi-wh3ik]

He's so likable, much more than those divas monotonous Cavill, or high Affleck (who thinks rape jokes are funny). I hope Shazam is a big hit, and it can seemlessly replace Superman in DCEU. It's a far more interesting character anyway, which could have been 2nd biggest after Batman in history had DC not bought him over from Action Comics to save Superman's ass in 40s.

[@genesismesa4359]

That 1 dislike is a Marvel Fan.

[@sheikhshakib55]

Slav

[@bandook5636]

Genesis Mesa yeah

[@margaretseddon4653]

Gavin says: kind of ironic but the thing is this movie is called Shazam and yet the actual main Character is called: Captain Marvel!!!!!

[@bandook5636]

@@margaretseddon4653 ... And do you know that the first name of Shazam was captain Marvel.. And marvel have stole that name

[@margaretseddon4653]

@@bandook5636 my name is Gavin and I'm still using mums phone, yes I know the stolen name story and even though it's a stolen name I really wanna see this!!!!

[@RolandoLopezNieto]

Zach is really excited for his role. I hope he and the movie do very well.

[@nicr7959]

DC> MARVEL

[@tomofsteel3879]

#fact

[@xTriXKillerx]

Faxxxxx

[@rjames9547]

Facts

[@StanleyKuo184]

Don't even go there

[@redwolf19k45]

@Hero Let me know when marvel makes a movie better than dark knight

[@mightymurph3949]

Wow, talk about type casting. I feel like he’s just being himself in SHAZAM

[@thelittlepasty8360]

I love how excited he is to be apart of this

[@KaioMichiru22]

He's amazing, fucking love him He's so sincere!

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@mayacskn]

I hate seing fake fans in the comments ! « He is going to save DC » 🙄🙄🙄 DC DOESN’T NEED TO BE SAVED ! DC is doing great without fake fans and haters. Shazam is going to be another comic accurate and great DC movie. Only true fans deserve to watch it.

[@keonejones7283]

Mervé C okayyyyy hipster

[@StanleyKuo184]

If only "true fans" went to see Shazam then its success will only be mediocre as average moviegoer doesn't read comics.

[@anthonylewis7168]

Stanley Kuo true... fans aren’t enough for any comic book movie to be successful but regular moviegoers are critical!!!

[@kingofbln7039]

hey after aquaman we are sure that dc didn't need saving anyway and except justice all other movies were quite good but marvel fans be hating amyway

[@StanleyKuo184]

@@kingofbln7039 I wouldn't call Suicide Squad and BvS "Good"

[@anitak3985]

Is it me or is Zach is getting beefier? 🤔

[@quietdemon8138]

Anita K bruh he is playing a superhero on the same level of power and strength of superman that’s why he looks jacked.

[@anitak3985]

@@quietdemon8138 Right!!! 👌🏽👌🏽 are you following the Shazam director on Twitter? Dude is hilarious 😂

[@ayushbhushan5534]

i want be as wholesome as him

[@michaelmeier4289]

U can tell Zach is a great guy, down to earth, real and sincere, likes to chat and have real conversation . . . As a long time fan of tv show Chuck I think Zach is gonna do awesome !!! Im more then happy to spend my $$$ going to see his latest film

[@arisjatmika]

He's handsome 😍😍😍😍😍

[@maxriggah299]

Looking forward to it. 7:30 id LOVE to see that. Hope it happens.

[@johnsmith5276]

Oh hey chuck

[@genavievesegura9082]

Loved the movie 🎥 Zack is so handsome and funny!! ❤❤❤ SHAZAM.!!⚡ Loved it.!!! It was hilarious.!!!!

[@josedias5978]

I'm excited entertained interested in SHAZAM 2 BLACK ADAM 2 with Henry Cavill SUPERMAN

[@hoochiecoochie571]

I really think Levi’s energy and lightheartedness will send this movie through the roof. He seems genuinely excited about this character and I’m hoping the movie will be as fun as he wants it to be. And I completely agree that a Justice League movie with him as SHAZAM in it would be a blast. Having SHAZAM all stoked about hanging out with the other heroes like he talked about in this interview would be a riot.

[@King-mg7vy]

This and Aquaman will save the DCEU...……………...and here comes that one guy.....DEEER D--DOESN'T NEED SAVING.

[@mikethelegendarygamer4581]

I like how he studies his comic book knowledge more, and being more understanding and at the same time, more enthusiastic about it as well! Love the guy!!

[@redxsage]

That _was_ a lovely interview. I didn't realize he had been in the *_'THOR'_* movies.

[@galmorzu]

Wait...I know for a fact that Sinbad Shazam movie existed....I SWEAR I could remember the commercials for it. 0_o

[@hazimesahe]

I definitely want to see a remake of green lantern

[@ValentinasWatching]

Oh man this is such a great interview. I love the chemistry between Zach and the interviewer. Zach, we also want this to happen. We want you in the Justice League and I get even more excited hearing how excited you are to join up with all the characters. Let's make it happen Warner Brothers!

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@aabelmendoza]

He is soooo funny, can't wait for this film 😂

[@toybirdy]

could u imagine henry superman killign zach's shazam like in in injustice?

[@reenachetiagogoi4118]

No one chill bro

[@anitak3985]

Nope. Injustice is whack and crack 😂 Dislike it heartily...

[@joyfulgama4678]

His laugh makes me happy and I know I am not the only one happy to hear that sound come from this wonderful man

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@kamerynwassam7230]

His camera test was in Burbank! Huh? Huh?!? 😉

[@AwesomeChickk101]

This was a fun interview to watch, great host and actor.

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@arthurcurry2003]

His enthusiasm is pretty great. Shazam will be a big hit.

[@thejmeister]

I was watching season 2 of The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel and was surprised to see Zachary Levi in it. His character, despite his quirks and being initially aloof, was so likeable, while having such a powerful physical presence. I was watching him and thinking, "Yeah. This guy is meant to be a superhero." He's also so affable in interviews, so sincere, that you can't help but root for him. I hope the movie does incredibly well and he gets that Justice League movie he wants. Maybe a Justice Society movie would be better for him. None of the baggage of being a JL sequel, yet all of the cool.

[@saveourearth4050]

Aquaman and Shazam ❤

[@chrisorlino6410]

I feel like I just want to sit down and talk or listen to Zachary ☺️

[@zacharylevi2477]

Thanks for your love and support ❤️, sorry for not replying your on time I have been busy for some while now

[@jawbeater]

I don't know why but every time I see Zachary Levi in the trailer, he looks like Jimmy Fallon. LOLOL

[@yaloolah42]

Joining the Justice League? Well, if we can get a Justice League International build-up.... get us a Blue and Gold movie, throw in a new Batman, some others and Captain Marvel and I'd take it

[@crazyhayn]

Shazam should be the cornerstone of DCEU 2.0

[@rjames9547]

This is perfect. I love Zachary Levi as Shazam. Can't wait for April

[@michaelwesten1764]

I can't wait to see this, It looks awesome. :)

[@robertdennys8994]

what a likeable talent.

[@wandererwrey2423]

Thumbs up when you got here after watching the fun and hilarious #Shazam

[@crcjchacon]

Hope this movie does well.

[@lililili-oz7xd]

He is so cool.

[@maddestmax6522]

I with DC always have. Least there not political which with this captain marvel no white men wanted to see it. After that I was done with Disney

[@AlkalineInsides]

I can't wait

[@ravisoren007]

I have a feeling 'Shazam' is gonna be a Blockbuster 😎

[@dzikuz991]

Casting actors who embrace their characters really pays off, Levi seems perfect

[@pranesh3994]

"100%" ................. (Fill in the blanks)..........

[@albodakine1]

Always a Zach fan.

[@naughtiusmaximus]

All you DC Fans - Say the Magic Word!

[@sinestrokorugar1134]

This will be much better than Captain Marvel from MCU......

[@Yup71719]

Love his Fav superhero was gambit