IN CONVERSATION WITH ASHER ANGEL

Interview by Jana Letonja

Asher Angel is reprising his starring role as Billy Batson in Warner Bros’ ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’. Asher is also a prolific music artist. Next, he will star opposite Peter Facinelli in the drama thriller ‘On Fire’, which is set to release later this year. ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ is premiering on 17th March.

Asher, you’ll be reprising your role as Billy Watson in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’. How does it feel being part of the DC Universe?

Like a dream come true. To be a part of such a great character that has so much depth, angst and growth is very fulfilling. I love playing Billy and I love seeing where the script takes his journey. I also feel so lucky to have such great and supporting castmates on this project. A true blessing all around.  

‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods! Is a sequel to ‘Shazam’, in which Billy / Shazam and his foster siblings fight the Daughters of Atlas. Tell us more about what can we expect from this sequel, without giving us away any spoilers.

More action, more adventure, more monsters. Everything is bigger and better with greater stakes and more to lose. Billy is finally settling in to his foster family and invariably carries his fears of abandonement. So while he is worried about keeping the family together, the foster siblings want to venture out on their own.  

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necklace THE GREAT FROG

Your and Zachary Levi’s character, Billy / Shazam is the champion of an ancient wizard, who possesses the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury. Which of these stregths is the most valuable in you opinion and you’d want to have it yourself in your personal life?

Woudn’t it be great to have them all? However, if I could only pick one, I would choose the wisdom of Solomon. Seems that with deep wisdom I could figure out how to manage the rest of these items, either through invention, ingenuity or otherwise.  

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You started your career by appearing in numerous theater productions as a kid. How did theater prepare you for acting on set, in front of a camera?

Theater is an open and live expression of the craft, with live audience, where you lay it all on the line. There are moving parts that you cannot control, but have to navigate in real time. I love theater. I can’t wait to go back at the right time. I also think it prepared me to be on set, because you invariably study the art of improv and how to self manage.  

What kind of roles do you wish to play in the future of your career? Or in what kind of stories do you really want to play a part?

I want to play roles that have dark and heavy character arcs, the pain of discipline and the hurt of regret. Something heavy and dark.

What makes you feel the most out of your comfort zone when you are on set?

Waiting on set. I’m alway so excited to film and work that sometimes waiting around makes me anxious.

In 2019, you released your debut single ‘One Thought Away’ ft. Wiz Khalifa. What are your plans for your music career?

I am actively writing and recording music now. I love music and everything about it. It lets me express myself in ways I can’t always do when acting. I hope to release some of my new music in the near future.

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When you’re creating music, what inspires you? What effect do you want your music to have on people?

Life inspires me. My experiences, my friends’ experiences and people around me. I want people to be able to connect with my music on a personal level. I hope it inspries my fans to find joy, pain and community in our collective life experiences.

Being both an actor and a musician, how does one balance both and does both at the same time siccessfully?

I don’t think of it as a balance. The most challenging component is time management. If I am acting, I am still writing and recording, even if using voice memo on my phone. I will always do both as they provide me with different ways to express myself.  

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Next up, we’ll be able to see you opposite Peter Facinelli in the drama thriller ‘On Fire’, which follows a family who lives in a trailer home in the woods and are suddenly confronted by a wildfire. What more can you share with us about this film at the moment? How was it filming such a thrilling story?

It’s a family survival adventure that highlights the tragedy of wildfires. I really enjoyed working with Peter, Fiona and Lance. It was a difficult shoot, filled with a lot of long and cold nights. We filmed outside of Austin in Bastrop, Texas. A lot of great food and great people. 

talent ASHER ANGEL @asherangel
photographer DEAN BRADSHAW @deanbradshaw
stylist LUCA FALCIONI @luca_falcioni_
fashion assistant FRANK BENKOVIC @frankiebenkovic
groomer MICHELLE HARVEY at OPUS BEAUTY using Skinceuticals and R + Co @groomedbymichelleharvey
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA @timiletonja
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN @arthurroeloffzen
interview JANA LETONJA @janaletonja