The upcoming "Shazam!" movie has only recently entered pre-production, so no casting announcements nor details regarding the plot have been given out. However, an audition tape has surfaced online suggests that there may be another character joining the titular superhero in the movie.
The character in particular is Freddy Freeman, also known as Shazam Jr./Captain Marvel Jr. in the comics. Freddy was a big part of the original Whiz Comics in the 1940's until he eventually took up the Captain Marvel title in the 00's.
As revealed by Omega Underground, the audition tape is of actor Brendan Heard's, and it teased the young character's surprise inclusion in the movie. Heard has been in "Odd Squad" and "Hannibal," and is seen in the tape auditioning for the role named "Frank." Even though it is not "Freddy," the tape does indicate that the character "Frank" has a disability.
The dialogue suggests that Freddy may have a different origin, as he is already disabled and is introducing Billy into the foster home. Another scene at the audition suggests that Freddy knows about Billy's powers and is almost jealous of them, talking to the adult Shazam after the superhero saves a bus filled with people.
As fans of the character would know, Freddy's disability is due to a battle between Shazam and Captain Nazi. Billy decides to transfer some of his powers to Freddy, who later becomes the junior superhero who also gets taken into Billy's foster family.
There is a chance, however, that this is only the dialogue used for auditions and that the scene will be a little different from what will be in the actual movie. If it does become the actual lines, then it certainly hints that Shazam is going to have an interesting crime-fighting partner.
It is also worth noting that "Frank" is also obsessed with superheroes, and owns a replica Batarang and the casing of the bullet that bounced off Superman. This means that the superheroes exist in this movie and further confirms the movie being a part of the DC Extended Universe.
This audition tape also follows another tape, one of "Arrow" actor Parker Young, who is auditioning for the adult superhero role. John Cena and Joshua Sasse are also rumored to be in the running for the titular superhero.
No official release date has been given for "Shazam!," but it is expected to come out in 2019.
