Asher Angel is an actor, singer, and musician who is starring in the DCEU’s latest superhero movie “Shazam!”, who has been performing since he was six years old, got his first movie role in “Jolene”, opposite Jessica Chastain in 2008.
Asher is best known for his role as Jonah Beck on Disney Channel’s hit series “Andi Mack”. Asher can also be seen on his tour performing around the country with his current single “Chemistry” now available on all platforms. We got a chance to sit down with him and talk about his experiences filming “Shazam!”
Check out our exclusive interview with the star of the new DCEU superhero movie “Shazam!”, Asher Angel:
Asher Angel
Photo Credit: IMDb
The Knockturnal: What was your reaction when you first found out you go the part of Billy Batson?
Asher Angel: Wow, I mean you dream about these things since you were a little kid and now that it’s actually happening, it’s so surreal. I was actually at the airport, I just finished my audition for “The Test” and I was heading to Utah. Of course, I was in the restroom when I get the call. I get out and everyone’s screaming and running around and hugging each other and I’m like, “Guys, what happened?” and they were like, “You got the part!” and I’m like “What?!” So I’m going through security and everyone is going bonkers and they’re like “Get this kid out of here!” and I can’t get my head straight, it’s just going “La la la” inside my head. There were just so many things going through my head at that moment, I don’t think it will ever sink in. It was unforgettable.
The Knockturnal: Can you talk a little bit about your experience filming the movie?
Asher Angel: The experience was so much fun, especially with this cast. I feel so blessed to be able to work with Zach, Jack, Mark, all of them, and when we weren’t filming, we would always do stuff on our off-days together. We would go to the Aquarium, we would go to the Raptors game, the maple syrup factory, we loved spending time together. That’s why the chemistry is so good in the movie because we spent so much time together.
The Knockturnal: You and Zachary Levi play the same character in two different bodies. How did you decide to approach Billy and how did you two work together to maintain a level of consistency between the two versions of Billy?
Asher Angel: It was kind of hard, it all happened really fast. I was shooting a show in Utah and I came from there right into this for production. We had a day or two to sit down with Zach, David, and I and we just went over the script and we bonded. Then he did a couple of self-tapes for me and I did a couple of self-tapes for him, and we kind of figured out little things, little ticks that we could put in the movie to just see what happens. And to be honest, we already had the same facial expressions and mannerisms and he picked up everything really quickly.
The Knockturnal: What was your favorite scene from the movie?
Asher Angel: Probably the fight scene where we beat up the bullies, where Billy defends Freddy. That was probably my favorite scene because we had gotten stunt choreography and that the first time we got to do any of that stuff. Zach gets to do all of the flying stuff – we do the groundwork; he does the flying stuff. Also, the one where I jump off the rooftop of course. That’s scary because they actually built this platform with pads, but we were pretty high up, not going to lie. I almost broke my leg multiple times attempting that, but hey, I went for it.
Asher Angel in “Shazam!”
The Knockturnal: There were so many funny scenes from the movie, were there any scenes or jokes that you really liked that got cut out?
Asher Angel: Well I had a lot of stuff with Jack that they didn’t end up using, but it was so funny. But, whenever I’m on set doing a scene with Jack, like most of the hallway stuff in the school, it’s mostly improv. David really uses our thoughts and lets us give our opinions, which is really good to be heard as an actor.
The Knockturnal: Suppose there is a Batman v. Superman type movie being made with Shazam. Shazam v. ________. Who is the other hero from the DCEU, what is the result of the battle, and who makes a surprise appearance at the climax of the film?
Asher Angel: I’ll pick a villain and a superhero. Obviously, it has to be Black Adam, that would be a good fight, and of course Superman. Those are two really good fights. I mean, I feel like Shazam would win because he’s magic, but who knows though?
The Knockturnal: Six Flags Great Adventures in New Jersey is home to many world famous rollercoasters, many of which feature DC characters, including Superman, Green Lantern, Batman, Bizarro, and Joker. What type of rollercoaster would the Shazam ride be, and what special effects or unique characteristics would it feature?
Asher Angel: There would have to be loops and stuff like that for one. You would have to hear a lot of that lightning and those kinds of sound effects. I mean, wow, if that actually happened that would be surreal. We would have to go to the parks and they would have to film it and that would have to go viral! That would be so cool!
Check out Asher Angel as he stars in the new DCEU movie “Shazam!” which hits theaters April 5th!
