Shazam ending EXPLAINED: Does Superman appear? Is it Henry Cavill?

Shazam! leaps into cinemas worldwide today on a rising tide of optimism. Not only has the DCEU entered a golden age on the big screen following Aquaman and Wonder Woman triumphs, the new baby boy of the bunch is flying high on glowing reviews. At the preview screening, the crowd of journalists and hardcore fans laughed and cheered throughout the movie and Zachary Levi delivers a classic take on the comicbook hero which will please newcomers as much as diehard fans. There are cheeky nods to the wider Justice League throughout the film but only one hero could possibly make this movie even better… 

WARNING SPOILERS FROM HERE

Last March, Cavill’s agent Dani Garcia posted a silhouette image of herself and the actor on a set. He appears to be in a costume and his hair definitely has a curl over his forehead. She tagged the picture: “Who is this man? What are we saying? What are we planning? Oh, it’s goood… You’ll thank me later.”

There were also reshoots in October with more Superman rumours flying around. 

The biggest scream of the night at our screening came when an iconic superhero costume came into shot…

SHAZAM HAS TWO END CREDIT SCENES: EXPLAINED

Yes, Superman does appear in Shazam! 

Sort of…

The scene comes in the last moments of the movie and builds on an earlier moment when Billy Batson let down his best friend Freddy and forgot to appear as Shazam! at school to help Freddy deal with constant bullying.

In a typically heart-warming moment at the end, Shazam! does indeed stroll into the school cafeteria, saving Freddy’s reputation (and skin). It is a sweet and utterly charming moment, until all the gathered students (and the audience) gasp as the trademark blue and red uniform appears and Shazam! casually mentions he also brought a friend.

In typical teasing Shazam! style this remains a total teaser. It is definitely Superman but the audience never sees his face.

Of course, this leaves WB and the DCEU the freedom to continue deliberating on the future of the Man of Steel, with or without Cavill.

Most fans, Express Online included, are hoping Cavill will have more opportunities to build on a strong performance which has been limited by difficult movies. The actor has proved elsewhere he has fine comic instincts and would be a perfect fit for the ongoing DCEU and Justice League.

Hopefully, the Shazam! cameo will encourage the franchise to keep faith with Superman and bring him back as soon as possible.

SHAZAM! IS OUT NOW IN CINEMAS