Asher Dov Angel
#SPOTTED: ZACHARY LEVI, JACK DYLAN GRAZER, ASHER DOV ANGEL, MARK STRONG + DAVID F. SANDBERG IN TORONTO FOR THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF “SHAZAM”
The Cast and Director of SHAZAM received a warm welcome back today, taking over Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square! In town to ring-in the Blockbuster directed by David F. Sandberg and also a world exclusive Fan Event at the hotspot, were stars Zachary Levi (Shazam), Mark Strong (Dr. Thaddeus Sivana), Asher Dov Angel (Billy Batson) and Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy Freeman).
The affair saw fans queueing as early as this morning for a chance to be up-close to the stars, who just a year ago filmed the Production in the City at various locations including Pinewood Studios. The group did the rounds in the City today making several stop-offs including visits to the CN Tower, Bell Media Headquarters, Corus and CITY‘s Breakfast Television, before hitting up the Red Carpet.
Shazam, based on the DC Comics character of the same name, centers on a 14-year-old orphan named Billy who is taken-in by an adoptive family, after fleeing many times from others. Once again he finds himself struggling to fit-in with their five other adopted children. One day, he is taken on a subway ride where he encounters a wizard who transforms him into a superhero. He soon realizes his purpose is to prevent the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana from taking away the power bestowed upon him, which could cause mass destruction to the world. Billy finds himself turning to his new-found family when he least expects it.
See the Trailer:
Toronto Mayor John Tory had the honour of handing a plaque to Sandberg commemorating Shazam‘s contribution to the City, including a remarkable $55 million in spending as a result of the Film. Tory just returned this weekend from the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and tells us, “They think it’s cool a movie like Shazam was produced here. And so that helps us to grow the city to make it a great place to live, for show business and entertainment and a place that welcomes people who are innovative.”.
Mark Strong who plays the Film’s villain, has made numerous Films here in the past and says, “You know that when you come here to make a movie, you know you’re getting the best possible people. I’ve made some really good friends over the things that I’ve done.”.
David F. Sandberg, who shifts from the Horror genre after having made films like Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, reveals that this was his first time shooting outside of Los Angeles. “It could’ve been a little warmer but other than that, the crews were amazing and really impressed me”, he says. “It was such a great city to shoot in and spend the better part of last year.”.
Zachary Levi is no stranger to Toronto, having filmed TV Series Heroes Reborn here. He states “I’ve been blessed to work here a couple times and this certainly is the biggest thing I’ve gotten to do. Every time I’ve gotten to appreciate the city more and more. Everyone knows the food scene here is fantastic – so kudos to that. This really is Hollywood North. There’s so much talent in this area and around this area.”. He adds, “Really big movies have been made in Toronto, so it’s really cool you’ve allowed us to Shazamify this whole area and bring this fun activation to the fans.”.
Jack Dylan Grazer, plays the adopted brother and best friend of the Film’s central character, Billy. He also filmed both IT and IT: Chapter Two in and around the City. Grazer who attended with his mother, says “I’ve spent a lot of time in Toronto in the summer when it’s beautiful and not so freezing! I’ve spend time in Port Hope and the interiors – I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’m thankful I had this opportunity.”.
Asher Dov Angel who plays the younger version of Levi‘s character, recalls “It’s been an incredible experience. This was my first time in Toronto ever. The food’s really good, the people are really nice and getting to work with these guys is amazing.”.
He jokes (or maybe not) about a potential sequel being made here. We’ll soon see!
See our Recap of the Fan Event and Premiere:
Mayor John Tory x Toronto Comicon/Fan Expo Vice President Andrew Moyes with the Cast
Zachary Levi
Mark Strong
David F. Sandberg
Jack Dylan Grazer x Asher Dov Angel
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “SHAZAM!”
We are so proud! Toronto-filmed SHAZAM! got its first look at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend and it actually looks fun and amazing!
Synopsis:
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Asher Dov Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Zachary Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong).
“Shazam!” also stars Jack Dylan Grazer (“IT”) as Billy’s best friend and ultimate superhero enthusiast, Freddy, part of the foster family that includes Mary, played by Grace Fulton (“Annabelle: Creation”); Darla, played by Faithe Herman (TV’s “This is Us”); Eugene, played by Ian Chen (TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat”); and Pedro, played by Jovan Armand (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”). Cooper Andrews (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and Marta Milans (TV’s “Killer Women”) play foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez, with Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond”) as the Wizard.
See the Trailer:
Warner Bros. Canada release SHAZAM! Friday, April 4, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
#SPOTTED: COOPER ANDREWS, JOVAN ARMAND + GRACE FULTON IN TORONTO FOR “SHAZAM”
DC COMICS’ SHAZAM is in full swing and we are seeing even more Cast additions arrive in Toronto for filming. While Asher Dov Angel who plays the leading role of Billy Batson in the Film, was busy promoting THE ANDI MACK SHOW Season Three in New York this Family Day weekend, his Co-Stars had a little family bonding of their own over an all-you-can-eat wings dinner at Hooters in the City’s Entertainment District.
We spotted the Film’s adoptive dad Cooper Andrews, known best for his work on AMC‘s The Walking Dead along with his screen wife Marta Milans (The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby), Grace Fulton (Revenge, Annabelle: Creation), Jovan Armand (The Middle) and Ian Chen (Fresh Off the Boat) out together for dinner with their own respective parents. Jack Dylan Grazer whom we spotted a few weeks back also was out with them! Coincidentally, we spotted the gang a bit later at Starbucks. The Barista who probably recognized their familiar faces asked them, “Are you guys from here?”. 🙄
They all head to historic Casa Loma after dinner. Action-packed!
The gang were nice to stop for Selfies in the rain as they tackle a new week of filming! See our Snaps!
SHAZAM wraps May 2018!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: ASHER DOV ANGEL IN TORONTO FOR “SHAZAM”
Production officially has begun on DC Comics’ SHAZAM and while he was busy due to filming obligations in Utah filming, Asher Dov Angel has arrived in Toronto! The 15-year-old star known best for his work on Disney Channel’s Andi Mack, has been cast in the role of Billy Batson who transforms into superhero Shazam, who will be played by Zachary Levi.
Arriving with his family and a ton of luggage, Angel‘s father Jody seemed just as enthused about his son starring in the Comic Adaptation which he is a huge fan of. Shazam wraps in May.
See our Snap:
We spotted Co-Star Jack Dylan Grazer arriving last week! More here.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release SHAZAM April 2019.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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