With the top two highest grossing films of 2014 both currently comic book adaptations, the genre continues to thrive. While Marvel comics has enjoyed commercial success in the current boom, their traditional rival DC comics has similarly made their mark with movies such as Man of Steel and Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. With Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice slated as the company’s next major release, the studio is already looking ahead in an attempt to bring other characters to the big screen. One such upcoming feature is Shazam, the story of a boy whose interactions with a wizard allow him to turn into an adult superhero. While previous reports had Dwayne Johnson circling the film, his discussions on the topic had left it unclear whether he’d be playing the titular superhero or his longtime adversary Black Adam. Now, however, Johnson has confirmed via his twitter account that...
- 9/3/2014
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
Exclusive: Veteran literary representative Alan Rautbort has joined the management and production firm Circle of Confusion where he will work with producers, production companies, directors and writers. The clients Rautbort is bringing with him include Aaron Zelman (ABC’s The Returned), Lauren Gussis (Showtime’s Dexter), Thania St. John (USA’s Covert Affairs), Phoef Sutton (TBS’ Just Do It Yourself), Ben Edlund (CW’s Supernatural), Eric Haney (CBS’ The Unit), Debra Fisher (ABC Family’s Twisted), Richard A. Clarke (Against All Enemies), Bill Birch (One Finger Salute), Brad Pope (The Goode Family) and Joshua Payne (Damages). “We’re extremely excited about Alan because he has such great experience and is so well-regarded,” Circle partner David Engel said. “His client list is a great addition to Circle’s roster.” Rautbort began his career as an agent, starting as a trainee at CAA in 1993. He spent four years at ICM, where he...
- 2/28/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Shazam! could still be adapted for cinema, according to DC Comics chief creative officer Geoff Johns. Johns has been attached to the proposed superhero project as writer and producer since 2009, though this is the first status update offered for some time. "There's always a possibility for Shazam. There's always talk about Shazam. And I can't get into the specifics on that, but yeah, there's hope for Shazam," he told Newsarama. Warner Bros was reported to have hired Johns and Bill Birch to pen a screenplay based on the project. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was previously linked with the film, (more)...
- 1/27/2012
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
Ryan Reynolds is setting himself up to be for superhero movies what Will Ferrell is for sports movies. Earlier this year, he turned in a pretty decent performance as Deadpool which will eventually turn into its own series. Next he.s signed up to play Green Lantern. For the sake of this argument, I.m also going to count Van Wilder as a superhero character because that dude is just plain awesome. That's three, and it could have been four. It turns out that writer Bill Birch also thought Reynolds would make a great Captain Marvel. Segal is currently working on a script for Shazam, the film adventures of Captain Marvel. Talking to CineFOOLS, Birch stated: .I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he.s Green Lantern that.s not an option.. Captain Marvel, as some may remember, is the alter ego of Billy Batson,...
- 11/12/2009
- cinemablend.com
Shazam co-writer Bill Birch has revealed that Ryan Reynolds was his first choice for the lead role of Captain Marvel in the upcoming film. In an interview with Cinefools, the scribe said that the Proposal star would have been ideal to portray the DC superhero. However, he conceded that Reynolds's involvement in the Green Lantern film rules out the possibility. "I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he's Green Lantern that's not an option," he said. It has also been reported that Dwayne Johnson is tipped to play the hero's nemesis Black Adam, but Birch denied that the actor has signed on for the role. "My rule of thumb is that no actor is committed to do a movie until the first day of shooting (more)...
- 11/11/2009
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
Bill Birch, the co-writer of the upcoming “Shazam” feature film has revealed that Ryan Reynolds was his first choice to portray Captain Marvel on the big screen.
“I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he’s Green Lantern that’s not an option,” Birch told Cinefools. Birch also elaborated on whether he believes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is still onboard to play Captain Marvel’s nemesis, Black Adam.
“My rule of thumb is that no actor is committed to do a movie until the first day of shooting is over with,” Birch explained. “I know that ['Shazam' Director] Pete Segal and Dwayne have a relationship that was solidified when Pete directed 'Get Smart.' As far as him being committed? I'm sure it'll all depend on the script.”
The “Shazam” film received a much needed jolt back in August when it was announced that comic scribe Geoff Johns...
“I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he’s Green Lantern that’s not an option,” Birch told Cinefools. Birch also elaborated on whether he believes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is still onboard to play Captain Marvel’s nemesis, Black Adam.
“My rule of thumb is that no actor is committed to do a movie until the first day of shooting is over with,” Birch explained. “I know that ['Shazam' Director] Pete Segal and Dwayne have a relationship that was solidified when Pete directed 'Get Smart.' As far as him being committed? I'm sure it'll all depend on the script.”
The “Shazam” film received a much needed jolt back in August when it was announced that comic scribe Geoff Johns...
- 11/11/2009
- by Blair Marnell
- MTV Splash Page
When young Billy Batson says "Shazam," he transforms into the adult superhero Captain Marvel. The character is nearly as old — and as powerful — as DC Comics' premiere hero, Superman. Yet, he's had far less exposure than the Man of Steel. In fact, most people who recognize Captain Marvel think his name is actually the magic word he says to access his powers. This name confusion stems partially from the fact that DC Comics is forced to market Captain Marvel under the name Shazam! because Marvel Comics owns the rights to the name.
Captain Marvel has appeared in film serials, a live-action TV show, and several cartoon series. There's also long been talk of adapting the comic book into a live-action movie along the lines of Big meets Superman. New Line Cinema had been working on an adaptation but when it folded, the scripter of the intended adaptation, John August...
Captain Marvel has appeared in film serials, a live-action TV show, and several cartoon series. There's also long been talk of adapting the comic book into a live-action movie along the lines of Big meets Superman. New Line Cinema had been working on an adaptation but when it folded, the scripter of the intended adaptation, John August...
- 11/11/2009
- by BrentJS Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
Screenwriter Bill Birch has given an update on the adaptation of DC Comics' title Shazam! he is co-writing with comic book scribe Geoff Johns.
The comic is named after the magic word uttered by teenager Billy Batson to transform into adult superhero Captain Marvel.
And Birch said he had envisaged Ryan Reynolds as a possibility for Captain Marvel before the actor landed the part of Green Lantern, another DC Comics character.
Although Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was at one point attached to play either Captain Marvel or archenemy Black Adam, Birch said no actors had committed to the project at this point.
He told CineFOOLS: "More than likely the role of Billy Batson will be an unknown but the role of Captain Marvel? I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he's Green Lantern that's not an option."
Elaborating on the approach to the storyline...
The comic is named after the magic word uttered by teenager Billy Batson to transform into adult superhero Captain Marvel.
And Birch said he had envisaged Ryan Reynolds as a possibility for Captain Marvel before the actor landed the part of Green Lantern, another DC Comics character.
Although Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was at one point attached to play either Captain Marvel or archenemy Black Adam, Birch said no actors had committed to the project at this point.
He told CineFOOLS: "More than likely the role of Billy Batson will be an unknown but the role of Captain Marvel? I always thought Ryan Reynolds would have been interesting but now that he's Green Lantern that's not an option."
Elaborating on the approach to the storyline...
- 11/11/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
The next superhero flick on its way out of the hell that is script development appears to be DC Comic’s Shazam!
Over at CineFOOLS they managed to get an interview with Shazam co-writer Bill Birch who was kind enough to give some information on the film. Apparently the superhero has had several scripts written, but Birch and Geoff Johns, his co-writer, have decided to start fresh and come up with something new.
Birch’s focus is going into maintaining the right tone for the movie. He is very interested in balancing comedy and tension and he expects the film to be “not as ‘dark’ as Dark Knight but definitely as cool,” and says it will “probably end up with a PG-13 rating.”
For those of you unfamiliar with the basic lore of Shazam, it tells the story of Billy Batson, a young boy who becomes a superhero by shouting ‘Shazam!
Over at CineFOOLS they managed to get an interview with Shazam co-writer Bill Birch who was kind enough to give some information on the film. Apparently the superhero has had several scripts written, but Birch and Geoff Johns, his co-writer, have decided to start fresh and come up with something new.
Birch’s focus is going into maintaining the right tone for the movie. He is very interested in balancing comedy and tension and he expects the film to be “not as ‘dark’ as Dark Knight but definitely as cool,” and says it will “probably end up with a PG-13 rating.”
For those of you unfamiliar with the basic lore of Shazam, it tells the story of Billy Batson, a young boy who becomes a superhero by shouting ‘Shazam!
- 11/11/2009
- by Barrett
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
By: John Gholson
Screenwriter John August declared the Shazam feature film completely dead in January 2009, unable to come up with a screenplay that seemed to satisfy Warner Bros. "By "dead," I mean that it won't be happening. I don't think it's on the studio's radar at all, " August stated in a blog post.
I'm happy to report that John August was wrong. Shazam is most definitely on Warner Bros radar, and they've tasked DC Comics scribe Geoff Johns and rookie screenwriter Bill Birch with a new version of the script. Birch spoke to CineFOOLS about the project, "The way the story is shaking out, Geoff and I see this not as 'dark' as Dark Knight but definitely as cool...Tonally, I think it's important to successfully find the balance of comedy and danger in the story. That's a major aspect I'm focusing on. Frankly, hitting the right tone is what's...
Screenwriter John August declared the Shazam feature film completely dead in January 2009, unable to come up with a screenplay that seemed to satisfy Warner Bros. "By "dead," I mean that it won't be happening. I don't think it's on the studio's radar at all, " August stated in a blog post.
I'm happy to report that John August was wrong. Shazam is most definitely on Warner Bros radar, and they've tasked DC Comics scribe Geoff Johns and rookie screenwriter Bill Birch with a new version of the script. Birch spoke to CineFOOLS about the project, "The way the story is shaking out, Geoff and I see this not as 'dark' as Dark Knight but definitely as cool...Tonally, I think it's important to successfully find the balance of comedy and danger in the story. That's a major aspect I'm focusing on. Frankly, hitting the right tone is what's...
- 11/10/2009
- by Cinematical staff
- Cinematical
It was just back in August that screenwriter Bill Birch signed on to tackle the Shazam movie, meaning that he's knee-deep in all things Captain Marvel at the moment. But he still took the time for a conversation with Cinefools, and gave them some updates on where he's going with what could very well be the next big DC Comics superhero movie. Shazam has been in development for ages now, and Birch says he's taking some of those earlier scripts into consideration as he creates the new script. And while the rumors that they would try to make the movie grittier, a la The Dark Knight, aren't true, there should be at least a little edge to it: The way the story is shaking out, Geoff and I see this not as "dark" as Dark Knight but definitely as cool. It'll probably end up with a PG-13 rating." As for...
- 11/10/2009
- cinemablend.com
By the Elders! Shazam! And so, when young Billy Batson says that magical word, two new writers for his ever delayed movie appear! DC Comics seems reluctant to let the cursed Shazam! flick die, even though the powers that be sure seem to want it to. After the last writer declared the project dead back in January, there - not surprisingly - hasn't been much progress until now. DC has hired a new writer for the feature about the mighty Captain Marvel, and to ensure that the script gets done this time around, they've also attached one of their heavyweights to consult and co-write. The writer attached is the little known actor Bill Birch, who's mostly appeared in various TV productions. Birch has now turned to writing instead, and aside from now working on Shazam!, he is also writing the action comedy One Finger Salute, which is going to be...
- 8/26/2009
- by Kasper
- FilmJunk
V For Vendetta director James McTeigue is apparently on the short list to direct another Superman movie and recently said, "I think if I was ever going to go near Superman, I would do a complete reboot-take it in a direction that you would absolutely not expect, actually. So, that would be my thinking on it, if I was ever going to go near Superman... I think it's good that they just had a court case where, basically, if you make another Superman movie, you can't touch Superman growing up-that's part of the story that you can't touch any more, that wouldn't be a bad thing. I think everybody's a bit sick of seeing the origin story." [MTV] When asked why he didn't go the way of Michael Bay with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and have songs from Linkin Park and the Fray in his film, Quentin Tarantino said, "I hate that crap.
- 8/24/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Last we heard, the Shazam! movie wasn't quite as dead as screenwriter John August declared it to be. Warner Bros., who picked up the movie rights last year, found a quick and easy solution to kick start the project: Hire two new writers.
Newcomer Bill Birch will write the script while DC comic book writer Geoff Johns will co-author the movie's story with Birch. No word on whether Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is still set to play villain Black Adam, though Peter Segal is still attached to direct.
Shazam! follows the adventures of Billy Batson, a teenager who can turn into superhero Captain Marvel merely by saying the word "shazam," which is an acronym for 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.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 8/22/2009 by Ryan
John August | Peter Segal...
Newcomer Bill Birch will write the script while DC comic book writer Geoff Johns will co-author the movie's story with Birch. No word on whether Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is still set to play villain Black Adam, though Peter Segal is still attached to direct.
Shazam! follows the adventures of Billy Batson, a teenager who can turn into superhero Captain Marvel merely by saying the word "shazam," which is an acronym for 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.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 8/22/2009 by Ryan
John August | Peter Segal...
- 8/22/2009
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
Two new writers have joined Warner Bros' big-screen adaptation of Shazam!, the DC Comics' title named after the magic word uttered by teenager Billy Batson to transform into Captain Marvel.
The latest draft is to be penned by Bill Birch, who's currently writing One Finger Salute for Warners, and DC Comics scribe Geoff Johns, says The Hollywood Reporter. Johns is also a consultant on the project.
Get Smart director Peter Segal remains on board to direct the film. He started working on Shazam! three years ago at New Line before it moved over to Warners.
Previous drafts have been penned by John August, William Goldman, Bryan Goluboff and the team of Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow.
Billy Batson is a radio news reporter chosen to be a champion of good by the wizard Shazam, whose name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world.
When Billy speaks the wizard's name,...
The latest draft is to be penned by Bill Birch, who's currently writing One Finger Salute for Warners, and DC Comics scribe Geoff Johns, says The Hollywood Reporter. Johns is also a consultant on the project.
Get Smart director Peter Segal remains on board to direct the film. He started working on Shazam! three years ago at New Line before it moved over to Warners.
Previous drafts have been penned by John August, William Goldman, Bryan Goluboff and the team of Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow.
Billy Batson is a radio news reporter chosen to be a champion of good by the wizard Shazam, whose name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world.
When Billy speaks the wizard's name,...
- 8/20/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
The last time we heard about “Shazam!” and his magic lightning bolt, the movie was dead. D-e-d. Dead. Or at least, that was according to screenwriter John August. As it turns out, the old axiom is true, Hollywood really doesn’t tell screenwriters anything, because the movie is still very much alive over at Warner Bros., and the studio has just paid another writer to work on the script, taking over where August and others left off. Not only is the project still alive and in development, with writer Bill Birch now taking his turn on the scripot, but according to Variety “Get Smart” director Peter Segal is still onboard to direct and produce via his Callahan Filmworks. “Shazam!” the movie will still follow Billy Batson, a young boy who transforms into the Superman-ish superhero Captain Marvel when he says the magic word “Shazam!” Word is, Warner Bros. plans on...
- 8/20/2009
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
According to Variety, screenwriter Bill Birch has been given the task of adapting the DC comic book character Captain Marvel for Warner Bros. big screen version of Shazam! — a project that already has Get Smart helmer Peter Segal attached to direct.
Birch, who is currently writing the film One Finger Salute for Warner Bros., comes to the project following several other drafts by prominant screenwriters such as John August, Bryan Goluboff, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow and even William Goldman. In addition, Geoff Johns, currently enjoying a very successful run on DC’s Blackest Night, will co-write and consult on the project.
According to the trade, Segal and Ewing began working on the film three years ago at New Line before it moved over to Warners. In case you’re not familiar, the film centers on teenager Billy Batson, who transforms into the superhero Captain marvel when he says the word “Shazam!
Birch, who is currently writing the film One Finger Salute for Warner Bros., comes to the project following several other drafts by prominant screenwriters such as John August, Bryan Goluboff, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow and even William Goldman. In addition, Geoff Johns, currently enjoying a very successful run on DC’s Blackest Night, will co-write and consult on the project.
According to the trade, Segal and Ewing began working on the film three years ago at New Line before it moved over to Warners. In case you’re not familiar, the film centers on teenager Billy Batson, who transforms into the superhero Captain marvel when he says the word “Shazam!
- 8/20/2009
- by Joe Gillis
- The Flickcast
DC Comics is still trying to get Shazam! off the ground, and now the studio has handed the script over to Bill Birch, late of the screenplay for One Finger Salute to see if Captain Marvel can finally cut through.
Methinks the issue might be with the property. I mean, if John August and William Goldman can't separately come up with ideas you're happy with...that's a you a problem, not a them problem. Have no doubt, though, Warner Bros. and DC will cram this sucker into some kind of neat packaging for a predetermined release date soon enough.
Peter Segal, who directed Get Smart most recently, is still signed on to direct, although there's no word in the Variety report about whether or not Dwayne Johnson will still play the bad guy, Black Adam, if he might instead segue into the hero role, or if he's involved at all.
Methinks the issue might be with the property. I mean, if John August and William Goldman can't separately come up with ideas you're happy with...that's a you a problem, not a them problem. Have no doubt, though, Warner Bros. and DC will cram this sucker into some kind of neat packaging for a predetermined release date soon enough.
Peter Segal, who directed Get Smart most recently, is still signed on to direct, although there's no word in the Variety report about whether or not Dwayne Johnson will still play the bad guy, Black Adam, if he might instead segue into the hero role, or if he's involved at all.
- 8/20/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
"Shazam!" apparently isn't as dead as what has been reported earlier this year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, actor-turned-writer Bill Birch has been picked up by Warner Bros. Pictures to reboot this adaptation of a DC Comics series that features Captain Marvel. In scripting the screenplay, he will get a helping hand from DC Comics writer Geoff Johns.
Currently writing Warners' "One Finger Salute", Birch who has starred in such series as "The Unit" and "Just Shoot Me!" is the sixth writer brought into the project to pen the screenplay. "The Princess Bride" scribe William Goldman, "The Basketball Diaries" writer Bryan Goluboff, "Garfield" screenwriters Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, and "Big Fish" penner John August have all taken a crack at adapting the comic series.
Birch's co-writer, Johns, is one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects. With the tapping of Birch and Johns,...
Currently writing Warners' "One Finger Salute", Birch who has starred in such series as "The Unit" and "Just Shoot Me!" is the sixth writer brought into the project to pen the screenplay. "The Princess Bride" scribe William Goldman, "The Basketball Diaries" writer Bryan Goluboff, "Garfield" screenwriters Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, and "Big Fish" penner John August have all taken a crack at adapting the comic series.
Birch's co-writer, Johns, is one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects. With the tapping of Birch and Johns,...
- 8/20/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
A good superhero doesn’t stay in limbo for too long. So it goes with Captain Marvel, the star of the old "Shazam!" comics, who is once again reported to be heading to the big screen.
Variety reports that Warner Bros. has found new writers for the project, which had previously been at New Line. Like the comic, the film would center on a teenager named Billy Batson, who can switch places with a genie-like superhero (Captain Marvel) by uttering the word "Shazam!"
Actor-turned-writer Bill Birch is working on the script with Geoff Johns, one of the premier writers at DC Comics, which owns the "Shazam!" property. Johns, who is serving as a consultant, has been responsible for revitalizing Superman, Green Lantern, and the Justice Society of America in recent years. He was recently announced as producing and co-writing a live action movie based on The Flash.
Birch has appeared...
Variety reports that Warner Bros. has found new writers for the project, which had previously been at New Line. Like the comic, the film would center on a teenager named Billy Batson, who can switch places with a genie-like superhero (Captain Marvel) by uttering the word "Shazam!"
Actor-turned-writer Bill Birch is working on the script with Geoff Johns, one of the premier writers at DC Comics, which owns the "Shazam!" property. Johns, who is serving as a consultant, has been responsible for revitalizing Superman, Green Lantern, and the Justice Society of America in recent years. He was recently announced as producing and co-writing a live action movie based on The Flash.
Birch has appeared...
- 8/20/2009
- CinemaSpy
Warner Bros. hasn't had any success so far in developing the DC Comics property Shazam! into a movie. Writer after writer after writer has sat down in front of their computer screens and done draft after draft after draft but still the project has failed to move forward. There was some interest from Dwayne Johnson in playing Black Adam, the main adversary to the Shazam! hero Captain Marvel, but that still wasn't enough to do the deed.
But Warners isn't giving up. A while back a decision was made to enlist the help of a trifecta of superstar DC Comics writers -- Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman -- to serve as a creative think tank. Each of the three comic book writers would become a shepherd for one particular DC Comics property that was in the process of being adapted into a Warner Bros. feature film, acting as...
But Warners isn't giving up. A while back a decision was made to enlist the help of a trifecta of superstar DC Comics writers -- Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman -- to serve as a creative think tank. Each of the three comic book writers would become a shepherd for one particular DC Comics property that was in the process of being adapted into a Warner Bros. feature film, acting as...
- 8/20/2009
- by Patrick Sauriol
- Corona's Coming Attractions
Actor-turned-writer Bill Birch has been tapped to reboot "Shazam!," Warners' adaptation of a DC Comics series featuring Captain Marvel.
Geoff Johns, one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects, is also helping with the kick-start, co-writing the story with Birch.
It's somewhat fitting that Birch takes on "Shazam!" as his very name echoes the name of the comic's hero, Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as ...
Geoff Johns, one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects, is also helping with the kick-start, co-writing the story with Birch.
It's somewhat fitting that Birch takes on "Shazam!" as his very name echoes the name of the comic's hero, Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as ...
- 8/19/2009
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor-turned-writer Bill Birch has been tapped to reboot "Shazam!," Warners' adaptation of a DC Comics series featuring Captain Marvel.
Geoff Johns, one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects, is also helping with the kick-start, co-writing the story with Birch.
It's somewhat fitting that Birch takes on "Shazam!" as his very name echoes the name of the comic's hero, Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as ...
Geoff Johns, one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects, is also helping with the kick-start, co-writing the story with Birch.
It's somewhat fitting that Birch takes on "Shazam!" as his very name echoes the name of the comic's hero, Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as ...
- 8/19/2009
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Actor-turned-writer Bill Birch has been tapped to reboot "Shazam!," Warners' adaptation of a DC Comics series featuring Captain Marvel.
Geoff Johns, one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects, is also helping with the kick-start, co-writing the story with Birch.
It's somewhat fitting that Birch takes on "Shazam!" as his very name echoes the name of the comic's hero, Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as well as their attributes: 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.
The project, which was housed at New Line for several years, has had a tough time taking flight, with writers William Goldman,...
Geoff Johns, one of the three DC Comics heavyweights hired by the studio to act as consultants on DC projects, is also helping with the kick-start, co-writing the story with Birch.
It's somewhat fitting that Birch takes on "Shazam!" as his very name echoes the name of the comic's hero, Billy Batson, a teenager who becomes Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as well as their attributes: 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.
The project, which was housed at New Line for several years, has had a tough time taking flight, with writers William Goldman,...
- 8/19/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. Pictures has hired actor-turned-writer Bill Birch and Geoff Johns to write Shazam! , the adaptation of the DC Comics series featuring Captain Marvel. Get Smart helmer Peter Segal remains on board to direct and he'll also produce with his Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing. Johns will also consult on the project. Shazam! centers on teenaged Billy Batson, who transforms into the superhero when he says the word "Shazam!" The studio is now looking to go back to the original DC Comics source material for inspiration. Previous drafts have been written by John August, William Goldman, Bryan Goluboff and the team of Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow. Birch is currently writing Warner Bros.' One Finger Salute to which Segal is attached to direct.
- 8/19/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Dean Parisot is in final negotiations to direct "Weekend Warrior", a supernatural action comedy at Warner Bros. Andrew Lazar is producing through his Warner-based Mad Chance banner.
"Warrior", said to be in the tone of "Ghostbusters", follows a high school teacher and armchair home repair enthusiast who unwittingly becomes a superhero.
The script was written by actor-turned-screenwriter Bill Birch, who also wrote "The Pre-Astronauts" for the studio. Lazar, who recently wrapped "Get Smart" starring Steve Carell, is also producing that project.
Greg Silverman is overseeing for the studio.
Parisot, repped by CAA, helmed the Jim Carrey comedy "Fun With Dick and Jane" and the ensemble comedy "Galaxy Quest". He also has directed episodes of "Monk", "The Tick" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm".
"Warrior", said to be in the tone of "Ghostbusters", follows a high school teacher and armchair home repair enthusiast who unwittingly becomes a superhero.
The script was written by actor-turned-screenwriter Bill Birch, who also wrote "The Pre-Astronauts" for the studio. Lazar, who recently wrapped "Get Smart" starring Steve Carell, is also producing that project.
Greg Silverman is overseeing for the studio.
Parisot, repped by CAA, helmed the Jim Carrey comedy "Fun With Dick and Jane" and the ensemble comedy "Galaxy Quest". He also has directed episodes of "Monk", "The Tick" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm".
- 11/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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