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Peter Segal

Captain Marvel movie in the works

'Anger Management' director Peter Segal will helm the comic book adaptation 'Shazam!'

Apr 13 2006

When I was a kid, and ever so slightly obsessed with 'Superman' and 'Batman', my dad used to go on and on about Captain Marvel, saying the 'Man of Steel' and the 'Caped Crusader' were no match for 'The World's Mightiest Mortal'.

Having no idea who Captain Marvel was, I rubbished his claims, but now it seems we'll all get to find out if Tilly senior was correct as production is soon set to start on the Captain's first major movie project, 'Shazam!'

For those not in the know, Captain Marvel was created by Bill Parker and CC Beck in 1939, and went on to become the most popular comic book character of the 1940s, outselling even Superman during the decade.

The story revolves around Billy Batson, a 15-year-old newsboy who is granted special powers by an ancient Egyptian wizard.

Whenever Billy utters the acronym 'Shazam!', he is struck by a magical bolt of lightning and gains the abilities of six mythological figures: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Aries, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury.

His adversaries include Dr Sivana and Black Adam, although during the war years his major enemy was the dastardly Captain Nazi.

Peter Segal, who directed 'Anger Management' and '50 First Dates', will helm the feature, and while he may not be the most obvious candidate for a superhero action pic, he nevertheless seems enthusiastic about the project.

'I've been a fan of Captain Marvel since I was a kid' he told Variety. 'This has elements of 'Big' and 'Superman', and will be a completely different kind of superhero.'

Mr Segal, here at The TOMB we wish you all the luck in the world with the project, but be warned, if you screw up 'Shazam!' in any way, shape or form, I'll get my dad on you.

User comments on this story

nn said...

Patrick Warburton, it has to be him! Posted on Feb 04 2008 13:48

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walter sidor said...

I'm 62 yrs. young & the CAP has been my super-hero all of my growing up years. I've told my sons"before I die, please God let me see CAPTAIN MARVEL on the silver screen & hear & see the clap of thunder as he changes idenities.Please do not make a mockery of my hero in a silly movie..but as captain marvel (my hero,)THE WORLD'S MIGHEST MORTAL. Solomon,Hercules,Atlas,Zeus,Achilles, Mercury. SHAZAM Posted on Jan 21 2008 21:25

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Luke said...

I'm looking forward to this movie quite a bit and have even heard rumors that "The Rock" will be playing Black Adam. That would be cool, especially the pointy ears. If anyone is interested in seeing a cool twist on Captain Marvel, they should check out "Kingdom Come", a limited edition comic series that DC put out in the late 90's. The artwork by Alex Ross is incredible. You can probably find all 4 issues in one book at any comic shop, or even check your library's graphic novel section, if it has one. As for Cap vs. Superman, which one is stronger, I would say they are pretty evenly matched, except that Cap's powers are magic based and the Man of Steel is more susceptable to magic, giving cap an edge. Posted on Jan 13 2008 16:01

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Bob said...

Make sure Patrick Stewart has a role in this production Posted on Jan 04 2008 00:00

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Kelly Powers said...

I still think Patrick Wardburton should play Captain Marvel! Posted on Dec 26 2007 17:12

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Digital-Ed said...

Atlas, not Aries. Other sites are misreporting this "fact" as well. Posted on Nov 05 2007 04:47

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Isaac said...

My understanding is that in 1940 when Republic Pictures wanted to make a Superman serial/chapterplay, the owners of the Superman character refused because they planned their own serial. Captain Marvel was then created and became the best serial ever. Even by todays special effects standards Captain Marvel's flying scenes are awesome. Unfortunately, lawsuits against Republic was won in later years and the owners of Superman now also own rights to Captain Marvel. Incidentially, the 12-chapter serial "Adventures of Captain Marvel" is available on DVD. Unfortunately, the wires supporting Captain Marvels flying scenes are obvious during the opening credits, but all other flying scenes are spectacular and remain the standard for a flying superhero. Great!! Posted on Oct 09 2007 19:06

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Roger Wendler said...

The serial "The Adventures of Captain Marvel" is my all time favorite serial. It is available in DVD and VHS at many outlets. The Captain Marvel comics were my favorites. I couldn't wait for the next issue hit the stands. When DC comics (Superman) sued Fawcett and won I thought I would never see him again. I hope the movie "Shazam" is as good as the serial. CAP LIVES AGAIN Posted on Sep 28 2007 04:01

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Donald Elmer said...

When I was a child at the age of ten I used go to the Saturday morning Kids cinema We watched Captain Marvel as a serial [black and white] and not an animated version but live performance. I unfortunately went away to a school camp school for three months of course the serial had finished by then. If my memory serves me didn't the owners of MARVEL comic's stop Fawcett Publications from continuing with Cpt Marvel Marvel Jnr. A question "Is that Captain Marvel serial still around on any source of video?" can anybody help? Posted on Sep 04 2007 10:50

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Calvin said...

It is about time... I agree Superman has had all the glory and it is about time that the truth be known that Captain Marvel was more stronger and powerful than Superman. It was even proven in the Justice League Unlimited. I am not taking away anything from the Man Of Steel, but we all know that Captain Marvel was close to all of us. I have not seen a display of the character since the 70's and it is time to make it right and place him amongst the elite powerful Super Heroes... I cannot wait until this movie comes out..Let's get it started Posted on Aug 27 2007 03:05

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frankie villarreal said...

finally the legendary captain marvel comes to life in peter segal's adaptation "shazam", let's pray he gets it right , because bryan singer screwed up superman by changing colors in his cosutme and geting an actor with fake blue eyes. and the list goes on. was he trying to piss everyone off cause it worked' i will not go see another superman movie again. knowing tom welling had the roll, he woude have been great " no matter the scrip , but since tom welling got screwed out of the roll of superman, maybe peter can pic him up "shazam" he has the built and the hight and most importantly the look for a great captain marvel. Posted on May 12 2007 19:42

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Captain Zorikh said...

I'm just eager to see all the confusion that will occur as people who wouldn't know Captain Marvel from Captain Tootsie buy or sell shares in Marvel Enterprises based on the perceptions and performance of the first super hero movie that will not have the name of the hero in the title. Marvel Comics' trademark on the name Captain Marvel is what foirced DC Comics to comdecide to use the name "Shazam" as the trademark for the Big Red Cheese, which has led to confusion fince 1973. I'm trying to clear this all up in my boog "Captain MArvel Culture http://www.captainmarvelculture.com Posted on May 09 2006 16:14

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Simon said...

I too was a fan of the comic back in the day. Can't hardly wait. This is going to be great! Posted on Apr 19 2006 17:22

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Ted Tilly said...

For a number of years I was a member of the Captain Marvel club and proudly wore my Club badge pinned to my school blazer. I even received a birthday card signed by the great man himself when I was 10 years old. For many years I have watched the " Johnny come lately" Superman get all the glory. Now at last the Daddy of superheroes will take his rightful place at centre stage. Bring him on!
TT Posted on Apr 13 2006 17:02

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