The Big Red Cheese
![[captain marvel]](http://johnaugust.com/Assets/captainmarvel.jpg)
And now, the answer to speculation about why I was busy reading up on DC Comics mythology. As announced today in The Hollywood Reporter, I’m writing Captain Marvel. And I’m very, very stoked.
The movie is set up at New Line, with Pete Segal attached to direct. For those who aren’t rabid fans of the character, here’s the briefest of introductions.1
Captain Marvel is a superhero roughly as powerful as Superman, minus the heat-vision and cold breath.2 What’s unique about the character is that in ordinary life, he’s teenager Billy Batson. Speaking the name of the wizard who gave him his powers (Shazam) calls down a magic thunderbolt, transforming him into the studly superhero. But he’s still a teenager in there.
If this to you sounds, “Like Big, but with superpowers,” then congratulations! You now understand Hollywood.
The process of getting hired to write it has taken months. It started with a call from my agent, asking, “Hey, have you ever heard of Captain Marvel?”
The answer was an enthusiastic yes. I was vaguely aware of the character growing up,3 but it wasn’t until the character’s recent resurgence in the DC Comics universe that I started paying attention. Not more than a month before my agent’s call, I’d read a JSA and thought to myself…Someone should make a Captain Marvel movie. And now they were.
Pete Segal and producing parter, Michael Ewing, had already signed on, so the next step was meeting with them and figuring out if we shared the same tone for the movie. It’s not Spider-Man plus jokes. It’s a comic book movie where the characters in it read comics. The story needs to be funny and dramatic even if the villain never shows up. (Don’t worry, there’s a great villain.)
Once we agreed on the framework for the movie, Geoff Johns from DC was gracious enough to come in and idiot-check it for us. Having witnessed the uproar over Spidey’s organic web-shooters, we were all sensitive towards cavalierly changing things. Fortunately, Captain Marvel is pretty movie-friendly already, so we hadn’t bent or broken any mythology.
Between my time at Sundance and Pete’s prep schedule for his next movie (Get Smart), it took weeks to get a meeting with New Line. Going in for the pitch, I was warned that there would be a lot of people in the room. But I wasn’t prepared for the fact that four of the attendees would be sitting in by videoconference. It was incredibly awkward, but I got through it. And I got the job.
In my head, the movie’s called Captain Marvel, but for legal reasons, it will almost certainly be some variation on Shazam! I grumble because people will inevitably assume that the hero’s name is Shazam, when it’s not — Shazam is the old wizard. It’s like calling the Harry Potter movies “Dumbledore.” Then again, the hero isn’t a Captain, and doesn’t live in the Marvel universe. So you’re going to have confusion either way.
I can already anticipate the natural questions which will come up, most of which I can only answer, “I don’t know” or “I’m not allowed to say.” And I should re-iterate the standard disclaimer: most movies don’t get made. But I’m really hoping this one does.
- The Wikipedia article is terrific, and worth a read if you’re curious. ↩
- That’s a lazy comparison, but in my experience, the average moviegoer is familiar with roughly five superheroes: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man and Wolverine. And of those, Supes is the closest. ↩
- Yes, I saw the live-action show. Let us never speak of it again. ↩
Articles
March 9th, 2007 at 6:18 am
John, that is awesome! Congratulations. Finally there will be a superhero flick to really look forward to. Have you started writing yet, or have you just been given the job?
March 9th, 2007 at 6:28 am
When I guessed that the project was The Flash, what I really meant was that there is a flash… on the suit!
Sounds like an interesting movie. To be honest I was a bit doubtful at first when I read that there was a wizard involved, but having read the entire post it sounds like it could become a pretty cool movie.
Congrats John!
March 9th, 2007 at 6:28 am
That’s about the coolest news of the day.
Two things re: Shazam! — no one’s going to think it’s THE GOMER PYLE STORY? I can’t hear the word without picturing him saying it …
and, just to note what Shazam (an acronym) stands for — The wisdom of Solomon; the strength of Hercules; the stamina of Atlas; the power of Zeus;the courage of Achilles; and the speed of Mercury.
Intriguingly, Shazam himself was once a super-hero in Biblical times and had his own magic word: Vlarem! (an acronym of even older gods granting powers).
Superman is the right comparison — didn’t DC take over Captain Marvel after suing Fawcett for infringing Supe’s copyright?
March 9th, 2007 at 6:55 am
Please, for the love all of all things holy, do not let the movie be called “Shazam!”.
People will think it’s a sequel to the epic that was “Kazaam” and it’s better that everyone forgets that that movie ever existed.
March 9th, 2007 at 7:02 am
You know, I’ve never counted Capt. Marvel among my fave superheroes, but I do have faith, John, that you will be able to pull this poor guy out of the Marvel branding machine (c’mon…Captain Marvel? I’m still waiting for The Adventures of Commander Wal-Mart) and do something really watchable with him.
And yeah, I remember the TV-show-that-shall-not-be-named, too. Pure cheddar.
March 9th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Shaquille O’Neal anyone? That’s all that comes to mind when I think of any title with “Shazam!” in it. Please, John… for the sake of the movie… FIGHT FOR A DECENT TITLE! Does he have a nickname (like The Dark Knight) that could be used? Or what about a title like POWER or something, ala UNBREAKABLE.
Otherwise, though, it sounds uber cool!
March 9th, 2007 at 7:30 am
I was quite sure it would have been Doom Patrol, as you write so well quirky characters and situations. Are you enjoying the Jeff Smith series?
Keep up the good work.
March 9th, 2007 at 7:36 am
John, why isn’t your name on the writing credits on imdb.com?
March 9th, 2007 at 7:40 am
It’s funny that DC now owns the rights to Captain Marvel (not because of his name; he predates Marvel Comics entirely, if I recall correctly) because he was totally created as a Superman knock-off. I can’t exactly say that I’m his biggest fan, but this is awesome news, and I hope to see this movie if it ever gets made.
March 9th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Are you going to read the William Goldman draft at all? Sounds like you’re starting from scratch. . .
March 9th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Does he go to the same high school as Isis?
As for the title;if you want to appeal to the kids, may I suggest ‘Shazizzle’?
March 9th, 2007 at 8:52 am
John: Awesome news. Congrats!
Scott: Captain Marvel does have a nickname, and John used it — The Big Red Cheese. “Shazam!” would be a “ehh” title, but methinks “The Big Red Cheese” would just bring a whole different (and smaller) audience in to the theatre — but then again, who doesn’t like a good Red Leicester?
March 9th, 2007 at 9:09 am
More than likely the title of the movie will be, The God of Lightning.
Congrats on the movie! Here’s hoping that you consult with some actual comic book writers! For some reason that part always fall by the way side and disaster insues.
If you can, contact Dan Riba if he’s not already involved. Trust me. He’ll save your life.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Nicely done! I like SHAZAM! (WITH the exclamation mark, as in– the source of his powers rather than the name of the character who gave him his powers). It has OOMPH! to it. Like KAVOOSH!! And seeing that this will likely be a lighter take on superheroes, and an “homage” to comic books, the title works.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:15 am
And now that you have advice from Kevin… you can sleep again soundly.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:19 am
The only time I’ve ever had an interest in Captain Marvel was in ‘Kingdom Come’ where he wasn’t really himself anyway.
Other than that I know almost nothing about the character. I’ll be really interested to see how you bring him to the screen.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:48 am
If this movie really gets done it should have a feel like Pleasantville meets the Iron Giant… Captain Marvel should display some sweet innocence but also a lot of power when it comes to the action scenes
March 9th, 2007 at 9:53 am
I would move you to an even higher pedestal of screenwritier guru-ness, if you made Billy gay. Man, the world’s in need of a great gay superhero. [okay, I'd settle for bi --- fine, if pushed, I'd even promote you if he develops a healthy man-crush]
March 9th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Congrats. Since you worked the Charlie’s Angels, the comic book storytelling method is no stranger to you. Sorry to hear William Goldman got sacked. Maybe the two of you should team-up, if the producers aren’t stubborn. Being a budding screenwriter myself (NO, YOU MAY NOT BE PRIVY TO MY IDEAS!!!), dealing with the right producer and director for your project is a one in a million chance.
And we have already have a gay superhero, Northstar, from the Alpha Flight comics.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Without my advice, John surely would’ve never been nominated for an Oscar nor a Grammy. My tutelage is the source of John’s powers.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Shazam! to that.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Great news! I loved Big Fish, so now I’m optimistic about the Big Cheese getting a good movie. Nice to hear that you’re not going to go changing things just because you can. People love these characters for a reason.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:51 am
John,
You continue to inspire! Deepest congratulations - enjoy the journey.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:53 am
As one of the 4 people on the videoconference in NY, I have to say you rocked it and we’re psyched to have you on the film!
Best,
F.J.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Hey, what’s with dissing the live action show? I remember it as a kid and if memory serves me right, it was pretty damned good. I don’t think I ever missed a Saturday morning when it was on. You guys should definitely take your cue from the way they cast Shazam back in the mid-70’s. I always thought he looked a little bit like Fu Manchu. It was only when they did that spin-off with Isis that things went horribly wrong. That show had some great plots too. You could learn a few things from the writing they had on that show. It was great stuff.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I always thought the character who said “Shazam” was a teen in a wheelchair…which one was that again? Anyway this sounds great. Hopefully it gets made and hopefully you can apply the “Sony Standard” to your contract
March 9th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Hi John–
Great news and I can’t wait to see a completed SHAZAM! film. Love your enthusiasm. Have you read any of Cap’s golden age adventures?
Best,
Walt
March 9th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Wow. I’m impressed, because this is a superhero movie that I can get genuinely excited about. I’ve been thinking about how to do a Captain Marvel movie since I was 11. More than that, I’ve been thinking about a Miracleman/Marvelman movie for just as long.
I’m on tenterhooks
March 9th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
If you’re going to make it really campy and goofy and unlike any other comic book movies I can think of, then maybe you can pull off “Shazam!”. Otherwise, I would strongly encourage the Powers That Be to do anything they can so that you may use the title “Captain Marvel”.
Sounds like a cool project, though. Gratz!
March 9th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Alas the best name for a Captain Marvel movie has already been taken. You just can’t use se7en.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Unfortunately, I can’t see Marvel Comics agreeing to “Captain Marvel” as they have one of their own and DC publishes Big Red under the title Shazam! so DC would probably want to keep the brand recognition. So when people go their local comic shop they get the right one.
I hope they use Black Adam as the villan.
March 9th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Does this mean Tim Burton is directing?
March 9th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
My only fear is that this will be too much comedy and not enough boyish wonder. I hope it’s more along the lines of the kid from Neverending Story, or Sean Astin in the Goonies, that magical amazement, rather than Sky High or such. Please dont play it as farce. That’s the easy route.
March 9th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Well done and good luck with this!
March 9th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Too bad it can’t be a Miracleman movie
March 9th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Congratulations John. I have vague memories of watching the live action show in Australia as a kid. Some young guy with a Leif Garrett haircut who could transform himself into a superhero. Me and my mates were most impressed at the time.
March 9th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Then again maybe the studio lawyers are the right people to finally sort out the legal nightmare that is Miracleman.
March 9th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I hope you have Mr. Mind in there.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
This style/genre of film seems to be very different from your past films. Do you think this will be a challenge for you when writing the script. You will also have a new audience who will take pride in tearing the film apart with a close eye & ear on every word that is said & compare it to the comic history. I have noticed that movies that are based off comic books seem to have a strict audience, who are also loyal. I was just wondering how you plan to go about this project & have it be accurate to comic past with a John August twist. Congratulations on the new project & good luck. I look forward to it.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
“Captain Marvel” is the last character I thought it would be. I was thinking Flash, Wonder Woman, or The Green Lantern even.
Congrats John, I hope it all pans out. And be sure to let me know when it’s casting time. I’m in my early twenties but can TOTALLY play younger if I shave.
March 10th, 2007 at 2:15 am
I agree with Blarneyman. A str8 up comedy wouldn’t do the character justice, no matter how funny. I could see Billy a lot like Elliott from E.T. I’m really amped that John is doing this. One suggestion, get the Alex Ross action figure (the Kingdom Come one) and also the poster for inspiration. War August!!! Make it great!!!
March 10th, 2007 at 10:36 am
For educational purposes, I think Mr. August should videotape his pitch (or a former pitch) and post it on youtube.
He should have two versions: 1. the straight up pitch, and 2. the pitch with commentary.
In return, we should take John’s lesson and apply it to our own video taped pitches. And then vote.
What do you say?
March 10th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Id prefer that you adapt the comic Kingdom come, writing a wholesome superhero movie after all these dark gritty ones would be quite the challenge though.
March 11th, 2007 at 2:26 am
Wow. After reading the Wiki, I don’t envy you your task. I’m glad you didn’t have to pitch this to anyone like me, because even though I’ve loved superhero movies in the past, I admit that with this one, I totally didn’t “get it.” Neither the wizard idea nor the SHAZAM! thing (the acronym with all the mythical Gods who bestow their powers on Captain Marvel) seemed like a credible source of super-powers to me. Although a radioactive accident or a genetic mutation are somewhat overused, they at least don’t stretch the limits of my willing suspension of disbelief like the idea of a wizard who runs around conferring the powers of Greek deities on young boys does. It also doesn’t help about the name confusion either– you basically have a hero, “Captain Marvel” whose recognizable hero name you can’t really even use? And his character is really just kind of a younger, pussified version of Superman’s, only without the weakness to kryptonite? Good Lord. And in some incarnations of the character, he could cast magic spells? Eek! Harry Potter aside, I can’t imagine the bulk of conservative middle-Americans, who would normally love a tale of innocence, purity, or black-and-white-good-vs.-evil, really going for the spell-casting thing. So the marketing makes me nervous– who will see it? It sounds like something aimed at kids (because the alter-ego is a kid), which is odd, because the audience who remembers and loved the comic books almost has to be all people in the over-30 crowd.
Since you got the job, though, I’m assuming you have already thought through the shortcomings of the original stories and have come up with a unique new take on this hero that will make us want to give him a chance. It sounds like a really sweet gig, so I wish you all the luck in the world on it. While the people who brought it up are probably right about how critical comic book fans can get if you deviate from the original storyline, I think this case, you should not be afraid to be bold and try a new and updated story. It seems like there’s a lot of room for innovation and improvement. Good luck!
March 11th, 2007 at 9:24 am
Hi. Just read the news about this on NEWSARAMA, and thought I’d pitch in my $0.02.
First, I agree with someone who posted in the topic on NEWSARAMA, that Adrian Pasdar has the right look for Captain Marvel.
Second, have you seen the 1941 serial The Adventures of Captain Marvel? If not, I’d suggest giving it a look. Sure it deviated from the comics of the time a bit, but not so much that it was unrecognizable, and there’s a reason it’s been lauded as “the greatest serial of all time”. They pretty much got it right, and I’ve thought for a long time that if a new Captain Marvel movie got off the ground that everybody involved should give the serial a look.
Third, try as hard as possible to get Captain Marvel in the title somewhere, even something like “SHAZAM!: The Adventures of Captain Marvel” would be preferable to just “SHAZAM!”.
Fourth, stay FAR AWAY from Judd Winick’s recent Trials of SHAZAM! series. Please!
March 11th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Whoa,whoa,whoa… Liz, Captain Marvel is no “pussified version of Superman.” First off, a little comics bg, Superman is traditionally effed up by magic. He can’t fight it. Smashcut to Supes fighting a grown up Billy Batson and he’d have his hands full. Sorry John, you probably don’t want a thread of Superman vs. Captain Marvel posts. lol My point is, having magic is not Captain Marvel’s weakness. It’s his youth that is his weakness. It’s the fact that someone so powerful & young can be swayed. It is the death of the naivete, a boy thrust into becoming a man and how he copes with this. This is an synonymous with life. Also, being endowed with powers from gods is just as credible as an alien sending his son to planet Earth and the alien looking, acting, being essentially human. Reading this post over, I realize I’m definitely a geek. Ahhhhhhhhh! It took me until 31 to realize this. I do love Captain Marvel though. lol
March 11th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Loved Capt. Marvel as a kid, and still do. Looking forward to your take on it.
Also, I agree with Seth, how about discussing your pitch technique?
Best of luck,
March 11th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
John, that’s awesome. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the announcement of just what all these hints were about. As a DC wonk, I’m thrilled to see a Captain Marvel film in the works, and even more happy to have you at the keyboard on it. I agree that it has a lot of potential to translate well to film.
Also, wouldn’t it technically be more correct to say that “Big” is Captain Marvel minus the super powers? Well, for my part, I’m giving the big red guy seniority.
Best of luck on the film!
March 11th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Um… so no RV then? No RV, no tickee, Mr. August. Screw you and your revisionist comic-book screenplays.
March 11th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Wait, so there are 2 Captain Marvels?
March 11th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Gratz on getting Shazam! One of my favorite DC characters. I can see the poster now. A large lighting bolt illuminateing a dark alley hitting a young teenager with the words “With One Magic Word…SHAZAM!”
Thsi is one movie that wouldn’t have to go the way of camp. When you think of all Billy has gone through with being an orphan and living on the streets and can become a pretty serious movie. The comedy can be the young kid in the superhuman adult body. Good luck
March 11th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
I’m glad you know it needs to be funny! Not that it is laughable, but I think something like this needs to be fun.
March 12th, 2007 at 9:47 am
In case anyone cares, during the summer time I posted an article about comic book adaptations. Here’s the link:
http://tenspeedbrownshoe.blogspot.com/2006/07/why-world-needs-superman.html
March 12th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Congrats! I know this film may or may not get made, but landing the writing gig is still a momentous event! So much of this business feels like running the gauntlet to the finish line that every step forward should be an excuse for champagne. Whevever anyone pitches me their “amazing” film idea, my refrain is always, “We’ll see.” So much of this business is talk, talk, talk. When the film finally gets made and the story is awesome, and the cinematography stunning, and the sound mixing exquisite, and the acting is genius… THEN the film is amazing. Until then, it’s “we’ll see.”
March 12th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Congrats, man! I remember seeing an old, black and white version of Captain Marvel at Butt-Numb-a-Thon 5 in Austin. Of course, half way through it the screen went black and started up again with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. An awesome moment in geekiness. Here’s to hoping your flick is good enough to be screened all the way through! Kudos, again!
March 12th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
I’ve always liked Captain Marvel, but I don’t think DC has really ever spent any serious time or money trying to make him a staple. Until lately, they have kept him as a “Campy” character with a dull mind. You can’t blame them, though, Captain Marvel outsold Superman during “his” heyday. However, he has a great story filled with great villains (like a mad scientist that is bent on destroying the Marvel Family, Black Adam, and even Hitler). It will be interesting to see how this developes. Here’s a couple of good titles to work with… MARVEL: THE POWER of SHAZAM! and a sequel MARVEL: THE WORLD’S MIGHTIEST MORTAL! Good Luck!
March 12th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
The most appropriate, legal name for the film would have to be The World’s Mightiest Mortal.
March 13th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Sounds great, looking forward to seeing it.
March 14th, 2007 at 9:43 am
John:
As a fellow Coloradoan (sp.?), a journalist and someone who shares the same given name, I find it interesting you are writing the script for a new Captain Marvel feature. As someone who has the surname “Marvel” I have lived with the “Captain” all my life. So I ask you this: Don’t make the good captain a characture …
Regards,
John Marvel
aka “Captain”
March 14th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Very cool! Please don’t include the origin of the character in the movie… All superhero movies need to show this for some reason and it’s annoying. it would be cool to just start the movie as if we’re already on issue 100 and consider the origin just as backstory.
Without having to tell that lame part of the story we can focus on the ACTION.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Jake Jake Gyllenhaal, $200 million budget this movie is getting better by the day! Can’t wait John.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:27 am
What about simply “The Captain”?
March 15th, 2007 at 8:29 am
No wait, I got it: “Oh Captain, My Captain”. Hahahahahha. Ehem.
March 15th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Best of luck with this, John. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
Until then, you have inspired me, John, and I have created my own superhero.
When awkward, skinny, film-geek Timothy Typlotz utters the acronym of the great screen scribes of the blogosphere — Rossio, Elliot, August and Mazin — he transforms into Captain Screenwriter!
Awkward, skinny … well, he looks pretty much the same — BUT he can whip out blockbusters faster than you can say “low seven figures.”
He must be very careful to build the acronym in the right order. Timmy got it wrong once — Mazin, August, Rossio and Elliot — and turned into a horse. With lipstick, no less.
Cheers,
Dave O.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Very cool stuff, John. What I find interesting is that your agent went out ang got you the gig and presented it to you with a sort of “here is what I got, want it?” as I thought pro writers actively went out and pitched their own projects, mentioned they’d like to work on something etc. I stand corrected.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Great news! This has been rumored to be in development forever, and I think that at one point The Rock was attached to it. I’m so glad it’s finally going, as this is far and away my favorite comic book hero. What kid wouldn’t want to just say a magic word and turn into a Superhero? Heck, I’m an adult now and I still want that ability.
March 16th, 2007 at 1:57 am
John, congrats on your new project. Though, in regards to Jake Gyllenhaal up for the role in ‘Shazamvel!’ - does this affect your writing for the character? did you have him in mind? If not, who do you visualise (as you’re writing) as Captain Marvel/Billy Batson?
-Chas
March 17th, 2007 at 8:32 am
HELLO, FELLOW SCREENWRITERS AND MOVIE MAKERS…FIFTEEN YEARS AGO I WROTE..”A MAN CALLED MARVEL” THEN I SENT A SYNOPSIS TO DC…YOU KNOW WHAT THEY TOLD ME?? MY STORY WAS TO SILLY, FOR CAPTAIN MARVEL. I HAD A GOOD ONE,FULL OF FUN AND ACTION.IT EVEN HAD A DOG NAME, SNOODLES.. HOWEVER, I DID START IT OFF WITH, BILLY, SELLING HIS PAPERS IN NEW YARK..WHEN AN OLD MAN TOOK HIM DOWN INTO AN ABANDONED SUBWAY STATION WHERE HE MEET WITH THE OLD WIZARD, SHAZAM.
SO..YOU START YOUR STORY OFF LIKE THAT.,THEN GO FROM THERE.
AS FOR ME..I PLAY THE PARTS AS I WRITE..TALK TO MY SELF.,MY MIND IS GOING ALL THE TIME, THINKING HOW THE CHARACTER WOULD DO IT. I’M 72 YEARS OLD.
I’LL LET YOU GO NOW.,THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
MY ESTEEMS; chappy. E-Mail slatmarker@yahoo.com
March 17th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
John August said: “Speaking the name of the wizard who gave him his powers (Shazam) calls down a magic thunderbolt, transforming him into the studly superhero. But he’s still a teenager in there.” As a rabid fan of this character and all of his rich history I have to emphatically state that he is NOT still a teenager in there. Cap and Billy switch places (each referring to the other by his separate name, occasionally even meeting each other). DC comics has long published a version of Cap where he still has Billy’s mind even in superhero form. This version of the character is just awful and has never gained any significant traction among the fans (the wiki shows how many times they’ve had to reboot this guy over the past 2 decades). Please John!!! Please don’t give Cap the mind of a teenager!!! Don’t give us the lame childish overgrown boyscout of the 80s and 90s, give us the classic mythology. Please!!!!
March 20th, 2007 at 9:23 am
I wrote a good bit of that Wikipedia article .
But seriously, I’m excited that New Line is finally moving ahead wit hthis film. I’m assuming the growing popularity of the related Black Adam character is fueling the need to jump-start a “Shazam!” movie (so that, of course, they can make a “Black Adam” movie).
I know you probably can’t speak on it right now, but I assume the storyline will at least be covering the same story points as Jerry Ordway’s “The Power of Shazam!” graphic novel from 1994 (which I won’t list here to prevent spoilers). But whatever is done with it, I just hope it remains true to the comic like you’re setting ti up to be, and that Captain Marvel remains big, red, and cheesy.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Congratulations on the assignment, John! While I’m sorry to hear that we won’t get to see Captain Marvel as written by one of my favorite writers (Goldman), I’m pleased as punch to hear that it is now being written by another of my equally favorite writers (August).
Now if it’s a title you’re looking for (that doesn’t say Shazam! or Captain Marvel), what about something along the lines of…
BATSON BEGINS!
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
If the movie is made in the spirit of the original 1940’s character which outsold Superman, then it may succeed.
If it is made to the disgusting “today’s” standard to which superheros have descended, then it will be an average flop like most of the junk made today.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:11 am
John,
This is great news. I LOVE Captain Marvel. Have you read teh graphic novel that came out in the 90’s by Ordway? That was a great piece of work. Here’s hoping that this movie gets greenlighted and made.
April 5th, 2007 at 6:07 am
a couple of things; there’s a great chapter on captain marvel in the jules feiffer’s book length essay, ‘the great comic book heroes.’ worth tracking down in the original coffee table version. (the book is also where bill’s superman/clark kent speech in ‘kill bill vol. 2′ was cribbed from.) and there’s an equally compelling answer to captain marvel called ‘miracleman’ that was written by alan moore and illustrated by alan davis. published in the early ’80s, it’s capt. marvel as a horror story.
April 24th, 2007 at 11:34 am
I too, hope this gets made! Know you have a script to write before a cast to make, but in the words of Shazam! himself “Holy Moly!” - I say “Holy Molale!” Brandon Molale (Mr. Deeds, Dodgeball, Longest Yard) is Shazam incarnate! The face, the jaw, the hair the body! Brandon is Shazam!!!
November 14th, 2007 at 7:09 am
I too, hope this gets made! Know you have a script to write before a cast to make, Brandon Molale (Mr. Deeds, Dodgeball, Longest Yard) is Shazam incarnate! The face, the jaw, the hair the body! Brandon is Shazam!!! I really hope he gets a shot he would make the movie. Along with The Rock as Black Adam you couldn’t loose. It sould have some humor but please please please DON’T DO CAMPY.
November 14th, 2007 at 7:13 am
I would love Brandon Molale as Captian Marvel and The Rock as Black Adam
and ye it shouldn’t be a silly movie humor in parts but it needs to kick but. The other big thing is who would play Billy Batson he sould be young but very inteligent.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I’m glad one of my real child hood superheros are being brought to the screen. I watched it when Sid and Marty Krofft done it on saturday mornings and I watched the 1941 serial of Captain Marvel too. Hey if you have the chance I can Play Shazam the wizard. Good Luck with it.