It was announced months ago that Ron Cephas Jones was playing the Wizard for DCEU's Shazam!, but as it turns out, he won't be able to take on the role after all. No worries, though, as the movie has found someone to replace him in the form of Guardians of the Galaxy's Djimon Hounsou.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Jones had to step down from the role due to a scheduling conflict, leading the production to hire Hounsou to replace him. Interestingly enough, Hounsou will also be appearing in next year's Captain Marvel, which is set to come out a month before Shazam!.
In the comics, the wizard Shazam was the one who granted Billy Batson his fantastical powers. Before that, he had given them to Black Adam, who was corrupted by it and used it make himself a ruler of Egypt.
Though Jones looked the more ancient role, I have no doubt that Hounsou will be able to do great as well. He may be a villain's lackey in Guardians of the Galaxy, but he was damn amazing in Blood Diamond. I don't expect him to bring the same acting chops in this movie, but I think he'll be able to get the job done.
Shazam! is set to come out April 5, 2019.
See Also: Shazam! Costume Went Through Multiple Changes While Filming
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