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Top 6 Actors To Play Shazam

3. Joe Manganiello

Manganiello

Joe Manganiello is another physically imposing actor we could see star in the lead role as Shazam. Manganiello is 6’5” and built like a tank, so he has the physical size down perfectly.

As well as starring as Flash Thompson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, the actor was also in the running to play Superman in Man of Steel before Henry Cavill eventually won the role. Manganiello has proven himself to be quite the decent actor showing his comedy versatility with Magic Mike and his heroic side as Alcide in the True Blood series.

2. Jake Gyllenhall

Gyllenhaal-

Jake Gyllenhall is easily the best actor on the list and often appears on fancasts for various superheroes, often cropping up on fancasts for Batman (he was close to landing the role in Batman Begins). Gyllenhaal was almost cast as Spider-Man as well, which would have seen the actor take over the role from Tobey Maguire, who was injured right before the filming of Spider-Man 2.

The actor has not only appeared in blockbusters such as The Day After Tomorrow and Prince of Persia, proving he can bulk up and play the hero, but also has top quality films such as Prisoners and Nightcrawler under his belt. It’s about time the versatile actor donned the tights and played a superhero.

1. Armie Hammer

Hammer

Finally, my number 1 choice to play Shazam is Armie Hammer (with a name like that he was born to play a superhero). Hammer whose filmography includes, The Social Network and The Man From U.N.C.L.E alongside Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill. Not only this, but at 6’5”, the actor can match the physical presence on screen with The Rock, who is set to star as Shazam nemesis Black Adam.

The actor was once cast as Batman in George Miller’s take on the Justice League in Justice League Mortal. I think Shazam though, would be more suitable to the actors physique and all American looks.

Some of his films have been hit or miss (The Lone Ranger) but Hammer has been at least decent in most of them. I feel he can carry the franchise and do the character justice.

Whoever takes on the role has a lot to match up to, with the screen presence and charisma of The Rock. We are excited to hear more about the casting of Shazam, a character which is yet to feature on the big screen (He did appear on the small screen in the 70’s).

Who do you think should be cast as Shazam? Do you agree with my choices or do you have someone else in mind for the thunderous superhero? Let us know in the comment section and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

About the author

Josh Sammons