DC's "Shazam!" has added yet another member to its cast. This time, it is Faithe Herman of the NBC hit "This Is Us."
Citing sources familiar to the movie, Comic Book reports there has been no confirmation on who exactly the child star will play except that the character will be a friend of young Billy Batson in the group home. However, it is speculated to be Darla Dudley, seeing she resembles the character the most.
Darla is the youngest foster child group home where Billy lived in the New 52 comic reboot. She is one of the kids who were granted superpowers when Billy/Shazam needed help defeating his nemesis Black Adam. Her most notable abilities are superhuman speed and flight.
While it is possible Hermann is not playing Darla, putting her in the said role would fit with other casting reports for the film. "Shazam!" has already cast three of Billy's friends who become a part of the Marvel/Shazam family. Jovan Armand has been hired to play the intelligent and bookish Eugene; Joven Armand as the overweight and shy Pedro; and Jack Grazer as Billy's classmate Freddy Freeman.
The remaining members are Mary and Darla. If the previous report is anything to go by, Grace Fulton may be portraying the former. That leaves Darla the only option for Hermann, which coincidentally matches her age.
"Shazam!" is now gearing up for production, which is set to kick off early next year. Apart from the aforementioned, Zachary Levi will also star in the film as Billy's alter-ego Shazam and Cooper Andrews as Billy's foster father. "Kingsman" star Mark Strong is rumored to play the film's big bad, Doctor Sivana, although that has not been confirmed to date.
Helmed by "Lights Out" director David F. Sandberg, the upcoming movie centers on Billy Batson who can transform into an adult superhero by saying the word "Shazam!," an acronym for the ancient gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. It opens in cinemas on April 5, 2019.
