Jovan Armand talks all things “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and his hopes for the franchise. (Exclusive)

Photo credit: Warner Bros

Written by: Gracie Lowes

DC’s Shazam! is back with an action packed and family filled sequel titled “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”

The film follows “Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his fellow foster family after they are bestowed with the powers of the gods. The group is still learning how to juggle teenage life with their adult superhero alter egos. When a vengeful trio of ancient gods arrives on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Shazam and his allies get thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of the world.”

I had the chance to sit down (virtually) with actor Jovan Armand who plays “Pedro Peña” in the film series, to talk to him about his time on set, coming back to the DC universe, and his hopes for future projects.

You can read the full interview below.

Gracie Lowes: First off congratulations on “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”! What has this been like for you both building up to the release and now having it out globally?

Jovan Armand: “Hi, thank you for interviewing me first off. I’m super excited honestly, it’s just very surreal. It’s such a cool moment, I feel that you don’t ever really get over you know? It’s always going to be carried with me and I feel like I’m going to be talking about this for years. I’m just super excited and really happy with what we have in our hands, and I feel like the world is in for a real shocker because this movie is so exhilarating, it has so much action and heart, just a lot of the same elements from the first film but it a whole different way.”

Gracie: The first film was very family oriented as you said, I’m wondering how has your character grown since we last saw him and what was it like stepping back into this role?

Jovan: “In the first movie he’s very shy, and he’s very introverted. Some people would see him as not being approachable because he’s so closed off and just living in his own world. Obviously being in the foster system and having to cope with that at such a young age can be very stressful and a lot to deal with, but luckily he stayed strong and I think that’s a key point with this character. He wants to be buff, he wants to be strong, he wants to feel like the rock aka Dwayne Johnson haha. But I think the transition from the first movie to this one has allowed him to warm up to the people in his family but he also is able to flourish and really find himself.”

Gracie: DC and Shazam! have such a huge fanbase, do you have a favourite fan interaction either in person or online.

Jovan: “Honestly, it’s just so cool to see how loyal and dedicated these fans are to the universe. They’re the kind of people who are always there for you and can help answer your questions. Like if you asked ‘hey so what would happen if the Flash, Shazam, Godspeed and maybe Jay Garrick had a race, who would win?’ and they’ll get you an answer within the span of seconds. It’s just really cool how dedicated they are to it, I feel like it was a fan club I was invited to and they have my back and we’re all nerds together.”

Photo credit: Warner Bros

Gracie: What was it like for you now seeing your character have a superhero side, and if you could have anyone play you in a film would you keep D. J. Cotrona or do you have another person in mind?

Jovan: “Yeah I love D. J. Cotrona he’s an angel, he’s super kind and sweet and plays the role amazingly, but obviously there’s always room for fantasy. So I think it would be cool to see my uncle play me, maybe in a short film or something. He looks a lot like me but he’s way taller haha.”

Gracie: If you could describe this movie in three words what would they be and why?

Jovan: “Passion, intensity, treacherous.”

Gracie: There’s been rumours about possible crossovers with Shazam and the rest of the DC universe, who’s someone you would like to see join the Shazam family and who do you think your character would want to meet?

Jovan: To join the Shazam fam? I think it would be cool to see the Flash or even Jay Garrick just as an OG with his tin hat and see him throw it around like a boomerang, that would be so cool. And if not maybe Elmo, it would be crazy if he had Shazam powers.

Gracie: Fair enough, who would Elmo turn into with Shazam’s powers?

Jovan: Maybe like a super big Elmo, or maybe Cookie Monster would be better cause he could be a cookie stealer by day and a hero at night.