2 Attachment(s)
Shazam! Director Teases Appearance At SDCC 2018
Shazam! director David F. Sandberg indicates he'll be making an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2018. It's no secret the unofficially titled DC Extended Universe has had a rough go of things in its first few years of existence. Wonder Woman remains the franchise's lone commercial and critical hit (Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad were divisive, yet commercially successful) and last November's Justice League was an all-around disaster. Despite these numerous setbacks, there is hope for the future.
This winter's Aquaman continues to generate positive buzz, and DC has two films on the horizon for 2019. One of those is Sandberg's Shazam!, which by all indications will debut its first teaser during SDCC next month. While fans await an official announcement on that front, the director is teasing he'll be in Hall H.
Sandberg took to Twitter to post an amusing picture of a man telling the Comic-Con logo, "Hurry up and get here!!!" Of course, Sandberg could just be a fan of the various properties that will be at the convention, but this is most likely a sign he's eager to share content from Shazam! with attendees. Take a look at the image below.
The DCEU is poised to have a major presence at SDCC this year. It's already been confirmed the long-awaited Aquaman trailer will premiere during the Warner Bros. panel, and Gal Gadot is expected to bring a Wonder Woman 1984 surprise with her. With that in mind, it wouldn't be surprising for Shazam! to be included in the presentation. Sandberg wrapped production back in May, so there should be enough footage to cut something together - even if it's just a sizzle reel exclusive for the Hall H crowd. Fans have been eager to see star Zachary Levi in live-action, after the actor revealed an artist's rendering of himself in costume earlier this year. WB altered their plans for a costume reveal, and Comic-Con seems like the ideal venue for that.
DC films are at a bit of a crossroads in the aftermath of Justice League, but things appear to be trending up. Shazam! should be at the center of their renaissance, with its "Big with superpowers" premise and Sandberg calling the shots. The director previously helmed the well-received horror films Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, so he definitely has talent behind-the-camera and is passionate about the material. Hopefully, whatever Shazam! footage is shown at SDCC goes over well with the audience, setting the movie up for a successful box office run when it opens next spring.
