‘Riverdale’ Alum Ross Butler Joins WB’s ‘Shazam!’ Superhero Flick

Ross Butler (Riverdale) has joined the DCEU (DC Extended Universe, their answer to the MCU) in an unnamed role in the upcoming Shazam! stand alone film.

Variety broke the news, but there has yet to be any word on who he may be playing in the movie.  We’re thinking that maybe he’s the adult version of Ian Chen‘s character Eugene Choi, but WB hasn’t confirmed this. Butler previously appeared as Zach Dempsey in Netflix’s controversial 13 Reasons Why, as well as The CW’s Riverdale, MTV’s Teen Wolf, and Disney’s K.C. Undercover.

The Shazam! feature will follow young Billy Batson (played by Asher Angel) who can transform into an adult superhero (played by Zachary Levi) by saying “Shazam!” outloud.

In canon, the word ‘Shazam’ is actually an acronym of the ancient gods from both the Greek and Roman pantheon (as well as historical figures) Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. With the powers of those mighty heroes at his disposal when in his adult form, Billy becomes a super force to be reckoned with.

Jack Dylan Grazer (It) is playing Billy Baston’s best bud Freddy, and Grace Fulton will also be one of the Baston friend group, but no details on a name or character yet. We’re thinking maybe she’d be a good candidate for Mary Marvel.

Mark Strong has been spoken about in hushed tones as possibly playing the yet-to-be-named villain in the feature.

David F. Sandberg is directing, and the Shazam! film is currently filming in Toronto, and has a set release date of April 5th 2019.