IT’s Jack Dylan Grazer Joins DC’s Shazam!

Fresh off appearing in IT, Jack Dylan Grazer is joining the cast of Shazam! The future of the DC universe on the big screen may currently be in flux after Justice League‘s launch, but that doesn’t mean it’s stopping completely. One of the projects still slated to come out regardless of what the future for the entire universe holds is Shazam! The project marks a venture into the unknown for Warner Bros., a decision that comes after relying heavily on core Justice League members to start their universe.


The project has quickly come together over the course of this year after David F. Sandberg was tapped to direct. The casting process is now in full swing following the announcement of the two most important roles being filled. Zachary Levi is headlining the movie as Shazam, but his younger human counterpart Billy Batson will be played by Asher Angel. Now, he’s got his best friend.


Deadline revealed IT star Jack Dylan Grazer is the newest cast member of Shazam! and that he will be playing Billy’s best friend Freddy Freeman. He will be the only person to know of Billy’s dual life in the movie, but his transformation into Captain Marvel Jr. as he does in the comics may have to wait for a future film. Grazer broke out in New Line’s IT adaptation this year as Eddie, so its no surprise to see him pop up in Shazam! – a fellow New Line production for Warner Bros.


The inclusion of Freddy is not a surprise for those who have followed the pre-production process. Previous audition tapes revealed the character would be included and offered a taste of his humorous attitude. He is one of a few members of the Marvel Family set to be included in the movie, but now Grazer is the first to land one of those roles – as far as we know.


While there are still a few roles left to fill before production begins next year, Grazer’s fellow cast members extend beyond just Levi and Angel. Mark Strong was previously cast as the villain, Dr. Sivana, and Annabelle: Creation‘s Grace Fulton also landed a mystery part. She too could be part of the Marvel Family along with Grazer as Freddy, but that has yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, Grazer looks to be a perfect fit for this version of Freddy and has shown the ability to have excellent chemistry with fellow youngsters. Hopefully, that will stay true in Shazam! as he pairs up with Angel, and probably Levi too.