Shazam! tells the story of Billy Batson, a young teenager who is given powers spelled out by the acronym Shazam, the same name of the sorcerer who gives Batson the powers in the first place.
Batson has the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury. These powers can be activated by saying the word "Shazam!"
The superpowered version Batson looks like an adult (played by Zachary Levi), though retains the mind of the teenager.
SHAZAM! Trailer (2019)
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Shazam! director David F. Sandberg teased to PinkNews that this Friday's release may include an upcoming and as-of-yet unannounced LGBTQ+ superhero.
Shazam! movie's Zachary Levi and Mark Strong on LGBT superheroes
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"Don't want to put spoilers [out there] or anything … but I think you will see one sooner rather than later," Sandberg says about the possible reveal.
"I think on April 5th it will become clear…"
The DC television universe has a few LGBTQ+ players.
There's, of course, Batwoman.
John Constantine and Sara Lance from Legends Of Tomorrow:
DC''s Legends of Tomorrow 4x08 Constantine Kiss his Boyfriend and changes back Reality Full HD
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Legends of Tomorrow 3x12 - Sara and Ava scene 4 "first kiss"
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Alex Danvers from Supergirl:
Alex Danvers || 2x06 || "You're Gay Too?" || Alex Coming Out to Kara
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In addition to countless more in the many different "Earths" that the universe contains.
However, the inclusion in the cinematic universe has been extremely lacking, so fans are waiting in serious anticipation.
However, sci-fi and fantasy LGBT representation needs to up its game as a whole.
There are so many whole worlds created in fiction—science fiction, fantasy, and everything in between—that are completely devoid of LGBTQ+ representation.
As of May last year, LGBTQ+ people made up an estimated 4.5% of the population of the USA. That means about 1 in every 40 people are gay.
In a universe containing 200 characters, for instance, at least 5 gay characters should statistically be present. But LGBTQ+ stories are often ignored.
Will DC seek to change this with its new superhero?
We'll be looking forward to Friday to find out.
