Kyle Gardiner, who most recently served as stunt coordinator on Marvel Studios'
Thor: Ragnarok and Warner Bros' upcoming DCEU production
Aquaman, has reportedly been hired for New Line Cinema's
Shazam! According to a new report from Omega Underground, Gardiner will oversee stunts for the film.
In addition to his work on superhero flicks, Gardiner's resume also includes
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Kong: Skull Island, and
San Andreas.
Shazam! is currently in pre-production under the working title of "Franklin." It will star
Asher Angel as Billy Batson, a teen who can transform into an adult superhero (
played by Zachary Levi in the film) by speaking the magic word “Shazam!”, an acronym for ancient gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. In his adult form, he wields superhuman strength, speed, flight, and more.
Kick-Ass and
Kingsman: The Golden Circle star
Mark Strong has been in talks to play the villainous Doctor Sivana, who in the more recent New 52 incarnation of the character turns to magic in an attempt to save his family, and ultimately winds up forming an alliance with Black Adam. Warner Bros. is currently developing a solo movie for
Black Adam - Shazam's most notorious foe (anti-hero?) -
starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Shazam! will operate in the same world as Henry Cavill's Superman, with the site claiming to have uncovered audition tapes pointing to a clear link between
Shazam! and the DCEU, which is home to movies like
Wonder Woman and
Justice League.
Shazam! is aiming to begin production on February 5 in Toronto, with a theatrical release set for April 5, 2019.