Note: This article contains spoilers for the recently-released DC movie Shazam!.



DC's newest movie Shazam! hit cinemas last week, and picked up some positive reviews for its tone, humour and central performance from Zachary Levy as the adult version of Billy Batson/Shazam.

But not everyone thought the actor would be the perfect fit for the role originally, with that person being... Zachary Levi himself!

Related: Zachary Levi exclusively tells Digital Spy about Justice League hopes

Director David F Sandberg revealed to ScreenRant that the star almost played another part entirely.

"Yeah, well it's kind of a funny story with Zach, actually, because his self-tape that he sent in was actually for adult Freddy," Sandberg explained. "But when I saw his tape I was like, 'Well, this guy is clearly Shazam'."

The adult version of Freddy Freeman, who appears in the movie once all of Billy Batson's foster siblings gain the mystical power of Shazam, ended up being played by Adam Brody. Fun fact: Brody appeared in Smallville and was in the running (heh) to play The Flash in the cancelled Justice League: Mortal.

Meanwhile, other actors who were apparently linked to the lead role were Armie Hammer and John Cena.

Related: 9 Easter Eggs and references we found in Shazam!

Following the success of Shazam!, Warner Bros and DC are already planning a sequel (and if you've seen the film, you'll know they've been setting one up).

Shazam! is in US and UK cinemas now.

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