Actor Djimon Hounsou is known for his part in the Marvel "Guardians of the Galaxy" film. Now he'll be transitioning from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to DC's movie world. The movie "Shazam!" has officially added Hounsou to its cast in a key role based on the original comic book series. He'll take on the role of an important wizard who is central to the origin of the superhero Shazam. He replaced another actor that was originally set to play the part.

Honsou as the Wizard

In the upcoming DC movie, Honsou is going to play the Wizard. This character has been protecting Egypt for 3,000 years and is looking for someone to succeed him.

He holds special magical powers that are eventually passed on to the character Billy Baston. Billy becomes a superhero when he says the word "Shazam," transforming him into the title hero.

"This Is Us" actor Ron Cephas Jones was originally cast for the Wizard role. However, he had some scheduling conflicts so he was replaced by Djimon Hounsou. Filming has already wrapped for the "Shazam" movie, with Honsou's casting just recently announced in reports online -- including reports from Comic Book.

In the first "Guardian of the Galaxy" movie, Hounsou played the role of Korath. He only appeared in the first of the two "Guardians" films. However, there is already word out there that he'll also appear in the 2019 Marvel film "Captain Marvel" to reprise the role.

Other Movies on Djimon Hounsou's resume include "Blood Diamond" opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and "Furious 7" in 2014. He'll appear in a few movies that are scheduled for release this year with "Blazing Samurai" and "Serenity." Both are in post-production as of this report.

'Shazam' movie details

The newest DC superhero film will star actor Zachary Levi in the title role as Shazam.

Also starring in the movie will be Mark Strong, Jack Dylan Grazer, Asher Angel, Adam Brody, and Grace Fulton, among others. The film is directed by David F. Sandberg.

Sandberg is known for several horror films with 2016's "Lights Out" and 2017's "Annabelle: Creation." Based on the "Shazam!" synopsis, this will be a departure from the horror genre for Sandberg so it should be interesting to see how he handles it.

As mentioned, the key aspect of this superhero flick is the way in which Billy acquires and uses his powers. This particular movie will be sort of like a "Big" meets "Superman" style flick. Asher Angel will portray the young Billy Baston, a 14-year old foster child. Once he discovers the ability to unleash superpowers, he transforms into "Shazam" by yelling out the word. Zachary Levi plays the role of the more muscular hero.

There are a few other DC films on the way, though it's not expected that "Shazam!" will crossover with them. The anticipated "Aquaman" solo film is scheduled for December 21, 2018.

"Wonder Woman 2" won't be in theaters until November 1, 2019. That puts it after "Shazam!" so there's always a possibility.

Moviegoers will get to see "Shazam!" when it soars into movie theaters on April 5, 2019.
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