"Shazam" is currently scheduled for release in 2019, but actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stated in his recent interview with MTV that the movie might come out a little earlier than that.
"No, I don't think it is going to be that far away," the actor answered when asked by fans if they'd have to wait until 2019 to see his Black Adam go against the titular Shazam. "It's going to be earlier than that. I don't think 2019."
It is important to note that this isn't the first time Johnson has said this. According to a report from ComicBook.com, the actor made the same statement back in Oct. 2014, explaining that the film wasn't cemented to the 2019 release date and is subject to change.
Changing the film's release date would, however, greatly affect Warner Bros.' and DC Entertainment's release plans. According to their film schedules, they will be releasing two comic book films per year starting with "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Suicide Squad" in 2016. This would be followed by "Wonder Woman" and "Justice League Part One" in 2017. "Flash" and "Aquaman" are scheduled for 2018, while "Justice League Part Two" and "Shazam" are scheduled for 2019. If "Shazam" were to be released earlier than 2019, then Warner Bros. will have to shuffle their release dates.
According to a report from Slash Film, it is possible that instead of releasing three films in 2017 or 2018, "Shazam" would get a 2017 release in the circumstance that "Justice League Part One" gets delayed. This would force either "Flash" or "Aquaman" to take the 2019 slot instead.
"Shazam" tells the story of a young boy named Billy Batson who is granted the powers to change into a fully grown adult with super strength, speed, and flight. He serves as a replacement for Black Adam, a former "Shazam" who was born a slave and when given his powers, he decided to become a militant oppressor instead of a savior.
