'Shazam' release date news: Grace Fulton's casting confirmed; production set early 2018

Grace Fulton officially boards DC's "Shazam!" Instagram/Grace Fulton

As "Shazam" gears up for the start of production, the cast of David F. Sandberg's film is starting to come to light. "Annabelle: Creation" alum Grace Fulton, who was previously rumored to board the DC superhero flick, has now confirmed her casting.

Officially announcing the good news on Instagram, the actress posted a photo of herself holding a "Shazam" comic book.

"Guys... guys... I'm gonna be in Shazam," Fulton wrote. "I know! It's crazy! What? Ah! HOLY MOLEY!! If you couldn't tell, I'm super EXCITED! Thank you, Peter Safran and New Line for letting me join the Shazam club, I promise to keep its secrets! @ponysmasher and @maxime.alexandre, see you guys soon!!."

Sandberg, who will be helming the film, also confirmed the news on the photo-sharing platform with a photo wall of the cast, although most are placeholders with question marks.

"It was kind of already out there but here's an official welcome to @smoregrace," the director said.

Neither of the two specified what role Fulton will be playing in the movie. While previous reports claimed she was in talks to play one of the titular superhero's friends, a popular theory is that she will be someone related to Shazam's alter-ego, Billy Batson, possibly his twin sister Mary Batson, aka Mary Marvel.

The actress joins Disney star Asher Angel who was cast as the young Billy Batson, Zachary Levi as the adult titular superhero, and Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman. While not confirmed, Mark Strong is also expected to appear as the villainous Doctor Sivana, an evil genius and archenemy of Shazam who debuted opposite the superhero in the pages of Whiz Comics back in 1940.

Set for release on April 5, 2019, the upcoming movie centers on Billy Batson who can transform into an adult superhero originally named Captain Marvel by saying the word "Shazam!," an acronym for the ancient gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury.

"Shazam" is reportedly starting filming at Pinewood Studios in Toronto in early 2018.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.