Zachary Levi made his big mark in the comic book world with his role as Shazam in the DC franchise. While his future in the franchise has become uncertain thanks to the incoming change in the DCU and the sequel's underwhelming box office, his tenure in the role has been loved by fans.
However, before he became Shazam or even had a small role in the MCU as Fandral, Levi was auditioning to play either Superman or Lex Luthor in the hit series Smallville. As we all know, he didn't end up getting the role and, arguably, things worked out as he was able to lead his own DC movie later on.
During his appearance at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo last March 31 (via The Direct), Levi discussed the time when he was auditioning for Smallville where he confirmed that he originally tried to nab the role of Superman before he was asked to audition for the villain instead.
"When it came to Smallville... I originally auditioned for Superman... Didn't get it. Wasn't meant to me, wasn't meant to be. But at the audition for Superman, they go, 'Hey listen, you did a great job. But we actually think you're more Lex Luthor. Would you mind taking a look at these sides?' And I was like, 'OK,'" he said.
Afterward, the Shazam! star participated to read for the role of Lex Luthor in front of the casting team and learned later on that he wasn't the actor that the network was looking for. Michael Rosenbaum ended up nabbing the role in the series.
"And I took a look and these things and I came back in and I read for Lex and they were like, 'Yeah, that's great, we're going to have you read for producers.' And I read for producers, and they're like, 'Oh my god, yeah, we're going to send you to studio test.,'" the actor continued.
"And I studio-tested, and then I went all the way to the network and David Nutter, who directed the pilot, I had work sessions with him, I was like, 'I'm going to be Lex Luthor!' I was convinced I was going to be cast as Lex Luthor, move to Vancouver, and shave my head. It was all happening, and then it didn't. I went all the way to network and they were like, 'Nah, not really our guy.'"
This is certainly an interesting story since it's one of those situations where you can't help but think about what could have happened if Levi's career went on a different trajectory. At the end of the day, the actor was able to get over it and he still managed to have a blossoming career years after.
Also Read: Shazam 2: Billy Batson Actor Seemingly Unhappy with Zachary Levi's Portrayal
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is still showing in theaters. You can check more details about it here.
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