SHAZAM Producer Explains How the Film Fits into the DC Extended Universe

Despite initial confusion, Dwayne Johnson confirmed last year that his Shazam movie will indeed be set in the DC Extended Universe, alongside the rest of Warner Bros.’ DC films. We’ve gotten few updates on the project since, with producer Hiram Garcia most recently saying that a new draft was coming soon, but the film won’t be rushed. Now, we have another update, as well as exactly how it relates to the greater DCEU.

Speaking with Newsweek, producer Dany Garcia says that, despite the different creative team and process, Shazam will take place in the same world as Justice League and more. “Shazam! is to live in the same world [as the other films] but we have incredible autonomy over this brand and franchise. We are working with a different team, different producers, directors…it’s a different set-up.” The team is able to create the tone and style that they want for the film, and they don’t feel constrained by the successes or failures of other DC movies.

Garcia elaborates on Shazam‘s place in the DCEU, saying, “It needs to be of the world. You’ve got Justice League, Wonder Woman with a different director, so you’re going to see different points of view. I think by the time we land with [Shazam!] we’ll fit nicely within the world that’s been created, but not such a shorthand relationship. [It’ll be] enough that people say, ‘Oh, this is within the family,’ but the culture will be a little different.”

Finally, Garcia says that new drafts for Shazam are coming in. She also reaffirms that the team is in no hurry to rush the movie. “…It’s important to make sure we get the tone right for Black Adam, which is Dwayne’s part. We don’t mind taking our time. We’re being very careful with each act and scene to go back and layer in as much as possible.”

Shazam is scheduled to hit theaters on April 5th, 2019. Darren Lemke was hired to write the script two years ago. A director and additional cast members have yet to be hired. Stay tuned for more as we have it.