Casting Shazam: Billy, Mary, and Freddy

Today we will look at the three kids.  This is a tough one to speculate, first, because a lot of today's kid actors are part of of the Disney Channel/Nickelodeon talent pool. I don't see someone with an iron clad Disney contract being allowed to star in a DC movie. Second, as far as Billy goes, most likely they will cast Captain Marvel first, then look for a boy who resembles that actor. I'm willing to bet Billy will probably be the last role to be cast.  Third, we don't know what age range the characters will be.  Will it be the 10 to 12 year old Billy from the Fawcett years, or the 13 to 14 year old tween Billy from the Jerry Ordway era, or the 15 to 16 year old teenager Billy from the New 52? When it comes down to it, unknowns who are acting prodigies will probably get the roles.  But there wouldn't be an article, so here are some wild shots in the dark.

First, for Billy.

Colin Critchley
Why he should be cast: He's an 11 year old acting prodigy who is mostly unknown since most of his work has been on the stage.
Why he should not get cast: If they want an older Billy, or want someone with more film experience.

Mason Cook
Why he should be cast: 14 year old actor with experience in movies and TV.
Why he should not get cast: They may want a younger Billy.

Preston Baily
Why he should be cast: 14 year old actor with TV and film credits.
Why he should not get cast: Again, at 14, might be too old.

Ty Simpkins

Why he should be cast: Good resume.
Why he should not get cast: He was in "Iron Man 3"... he might still be tied to Disney and unavailable.


For Mary.

Kelli Berglund
Why she should be cast: Looks just like the character.
Why she should not get cast: She's 18, even though her range can be as young as 14. Has a Disney Channel contract which may make her unavailable.

Landry Bender
Why she should be cast: 14 year old actress, who also had a Disney contract, but her show was cancelled, freeing her up.
Why she should not get cast: Acting skills may not be up to the same level as the other kids considered.

Maggie Batson
Why she should be cast: She already is a Batson. No ties to Disney.
Why she should not get cast: Too blonde for Mary.  At age 10, might be too young if they go with an older actor for Billy.

Morgan Lily

Why she should be cast: Actress with a good resume and a fashion model.
Why she should not get cast: Age 14, might be too old if they want a younger Billy. Appeared in an X-Men movie, so might have ties to Disney and be unavailable.

And for Freddy.  My thoughts are since he influenced Elvis Presley, the actor playing Freddy should resemble Elvis.  I think that's what the casting director should look for when casting Freddy. A tough job.

Elvis as a pre-teen. Ideally, this is what the actor to be cast as Freddy Freeman should resemble.

Some more conventional choices would be:

CJ Adams
Why he should be cast: Acting credits include the recent Godzilla remake.
Why he should not get cast: At 14 might be too old if they go with a younger Billy and Mary.

Hayden Byerly
Why he should be cast: Has Elvis-like cheekbones.
Why he should not get cast: Is contracted to ABC Family, a Disney subsidiary, and might be unavailable.

Chandler Riggs
Why he should be cast: Has a brooding quality that would fit Freddy well. Has won awards for his work on "The Walking Dead".
Why he should not get cast: At age 15, probably to old for the role.

Conclusion: Like I said this is a tough one.  Chances are they will cast Captain Marvel first, then look for an unknown to play Billy who resembles him. Then they will cast Mary and Freddy accordingly.  I honestly would not want to be the casting director assigned to the three kids.  The rest of the casting is a piece of cake, but these three are the critical ones.