Helping others even though no one helped him when he was down and out is what makes Shazam played by Asher Angel special. By Team Viva
Who is Billy Batson? What’s he like when we first meet him and what’s going on in his life?
ASHER ANGEL: There’s a lot going on in his life. Billy got separated from his mom, so he’s basically just out on the street. He’s a loner. He has no family. It’s just him alone in this world. And he finds out that he’s capable of this amazing superpower, that by just saying one word —”Shazam!” — he turns into an adult Super Hero. For anyone, that would definitely change you, have an impact on your mental disposition, and then it’s decision time. What are you going to do with these superpowers? Are you going to be good, are you going to be bad? What’s going on?
Once he gets over the panic of having superpowers and being an adult, he figures things out with Freddy who is like his manager. They learn to control these powers together. And it’s also relatable because Billy finally finds a family with the kids he meets in foster care, something that he never thought was possible
What is Billy feeling when he’s thrust into this house full of foster kids?
He’s like, “I don’t want any part of you guys. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to get to know you. I want to just go out in the world, just look for my mom. And if that’s not good enough, then it’s just me.”
What does he think on the first night when he meets Freddy who exposes his love of all things superhero-related?
He’s probably thinking,”This kid’s so dorky, such a geek.” But then, as he keeps talking, he’s like “Hey, he’s cool and funny.”
They’re about the same age. Do you think that helps Billy feel a little more comfortable?
Definitely. At the beginning, the thought is, “Okay, it’s another foster home. I’m just going to sneak out and run away.” Of course, that’s what he’s thinking. But once he really gets to know Freddy, he starts exploring relationships with Darla, Mary, and everyone. And he finds a real family.
How does Billy find his way to the Wizard and what happens?
He’s on the subway and somehow, he’s transported to the Rock of Eternity. He’s scared, he doesn’t know where he is and he sees this Wizard who’s hunch-backed and on his throne. Billy’s thinking, “I just want to get out of here, I don’t want to be here.” And then the Wizard says, “You are the champion.” And Billy’s just thinking, “Are you crazy? Who would believe that out of all the people, it would be me?” And The Wizard tells him, “You’re strong in spirit, you’re pure in heart,” and Billy says the word, “Shazam!” and realises that this isn’t a dream. He’s six-foot-two! He doesn’t know what to do, and the only person he could go to is Freddy. Actually, one of my favorite moments is when Zac Levi goes up to the window and he has a sign, “Don’t scream,” and Freddy just freaks out (Laughs). That’s a classic moment, like a superhero movie meets Big.
How did you and Zachary Levi work out how to play the same character, as actors, to indicate that you’re the same guy?
We didn’t have a lot of time, because I was shooting another show. We had two days to figure it out. And we both did a couple of self-tapes for each other. We already had the same mannerisms and the same facial expressions, but we definitely did pick up a couple of tics that both of us have so that we could incorporate them. But we really just had to trust in each other and in David.
How did your director, David F Sandberg, work with you to help you discover Billy?
There was a scene that I did for him, and that’s really what made him think, “You are the one we have been looking for,” because he really saw everything that he wanted. And he told me, “I don’t want it to be like the comics where Billy is not the nicest guy. He’s just sad. He wants his mom.”And throughout the movie, you really see Billy evolve. When he gets superpowers, he’s this happy kid and he’s starting to open up and the real Billy is actually coming out, the one that everyone wants to see.
There are a lot of kids in this movie. What did you all do in your off time?
There was a lot of fun stuff to do. It was cold in Toronto, almost freezing. But we took field trips, we did dinners. We did some sleepovers and that’s how we really bonded and playing games and watching movies together.
Jack and I really bonded at Comic-Con as we really came to know each other. This is where we really became friends because we were with each other all day doing interviews, cracking jokes and we had a sleepover that night.
What do you think is the most inspirational trait that Shazam has?
Probably him helping others. He’s human, and he’s a kid who’s had a hard life and he chooses the right path to help people even though he feels no one ever helped him before now. So, that’s cool. But he has learned from his hardships.
What do you feel, now that you are officially part of the DC Super Hero universe?
It’s crazy, it’s unreal. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve always dreamt of going into the movie theatre and either seeing the trailer or seeing the movie and I can’t even tell you what it was like seeing it for the first time. It was so exciting. I couldn’t believe it.
What do you think audiences are going to experience when they’re watching this movie?
They’re going to experience a lot of action, of course, but also a good story about wish fulfillment. And it’s just light-hearted and funny. I think what makes it different from any other superhero movie where they’re flying through the air and fighting each other, is that this is superhero is a kid. He thinks like one. And what kid out there doesn’t want to be a superhero? Actually, what person out there wouldn’t want to have superhero abilities? Zac killed it and people are really going to like him. Obviously he was amazing in the trailer and it’s going to draw them in and when they see the movie, they’re going to like it even more.
(The film releases on April 5.)