One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2019 DC solo superhero outing Shazam! is the inclusion of the Seven Deadly Sins. They are established as an ancient enemy to the wizard Shazam, who encased them in stone after the wizard’s previous champion set them free and laid havoc. After Dr. Sivana tracked down their location, the Seven Sins chose him as their champion against Shazam.
Because of their crucial role in the film, it is best to take a deep look on the devious demon-like antagonists. For that, here are 10 things everyone missed about the Seven Deadly Sins.
10 They are portrayed by stunt doubles via motion-capture
Like some antagonists in the DC Extended Universe, like Steppenwolf in Justice League, the Seven Deadly Sins of Shazam are depicted through motion capture CGI effects. Several stunt crew served as stand-ins for the demonic entities, donning heavy gray-patterned suits on-set.
The mo-cap transformation during the carnival climactic battle can be seen in one of the special features for its home release (and in director David F. Sandberg’s post). Looking at this angle, the Seven Deadly Sins may not be as threatening as they seem.
9 They are voiced by videogame heavyweights
Video game fans may be delighted to learn that the Seven Deadly Sins are voiced by well-known figures in the community. First, there is Fred Tatasciore, who voiced, Lust, Sloth and Wrath. Then, there is Darin de Paul, who played Greed and Pride. And finally, there is Steven Blum, who was behind the voices of Envy and Gluttony.
The three had been involved in the Final Fantasy franchise at an instance, with Tatasciore providing additional voices, de Paul playing Ardyn Izunia and Blum voicing Vincent Valentine.
8 Their statue appearance resembles their original reincarnation
Also named as Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, the Seven Deadly Sins made several appearances in the Shazam storyline since 1940. However, their first cinematic appearance make visual nods to both their original and the New 52 versions.
The opening scene featuring a young Dr. Sivana coming across the Rock of Eternity is akin to the Shazam issue Whiz Comics #2. There is also a subtle nod to Lust’s New 52 version when Shazam acknowledges it as “who I thought was gonna be way hotter”.
7 Director David F. Sandberg took inspiration from iconic 80’s horror comedies
Given the director’s background in horror hits Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, David F. Sandberg seized the opportunity on interpreting the Seven Deadly Sins. On their demonic design, Sandberg took inspiration from the terror dogs of Ghostbusters and the Mogwai of the Gremlins movies.
The result is nightmare fuel aesthetics for the Sins that pays off on its gruesome boardroom scene. While it went too far on its creepiness, the demonic design fits this movie, which is basically an homage to 80’s family-fantasy movies.
6 The Sins appeared physically in three instances
While they have a crucial role in the story, the Seven Deadly Sins showed their physical form on three instances: first on the Sivana boardroom scene, second at the Rock of Eternity where Billy/Shazam is about to give up his powers to Dr. Sivana and third during the carnival climactic battle.
Before they were set free by the devious Sivana, the Sins were encased in stone. And once he did, they would store themselves in the Eye of Sin. Secretly, they have been controlling Sivana.
5 The Seven Deadly Sins is one of the many seven motifs in the movie
There has been a playful motif throughout the movie surrounding the number 7. And the Seven Deadly Sins is one of those seven motifs.
One of them is the fact with the wizard Shazam being the last of the seven wizards. There are also need to be seven symbols, written seven times, to get to the Rock of Eternity. Freddy mentioned he wants “a house with seven rooms”. Billy’s estranged mother lives in apartment 707. Mister Mind shared about the Seven Realms to an imprisoned Dr. Sivana. Finally, there are seven thrones for seven champions.
4 Along with Dr. Sivana, they represent Eight Deadly Sins, making Sivana represent despair.
However, there is a secret theme centering on Dr. Sivana, regarding the number 8 this time. The most obvious evidence of this is the magic 8-ball that Sivana carries till adulthood. The 8-ball is symbolic to Dr. Thaddeus Sivana’s pathos since it represented the eight deadly sin – despondency or despair.
Being a victim of a harsh childhood and having his hopes shattered from rejection by the wizard Shazam, Dr. Sivana dwelled on this dejection growing up. And on his submission to the Seven Deadly Sins as their champion, they technically become the Eight Deadly Sins.
3 The Seven Deadly Sins’ first appearance was originally not in the Sivana boardroom meeting
One of the revised parts of 2019’s Shazam is what led to the boardroom meeting confrontation. Originally, it was supposed to be Dr. Sivana confronting his father during a Christmas party in their mansion. However, it was toned down and replaced with a tamer (if clichéd) boardroom setup as a later addition.
RELATED: 10 Villains We Could See In Shazam 2
Editor Michel Aller revealed in an interview that the original scene was filmed, with the intention of showing the Seven Deadly Sins slaughtering Sivana’s family and guests. But the creators find the setup inappropriate for a story set in the Christmas season.
2 Their identical goblin-like appearance is actually distinctive and matching of their sins
Though they look similar in appearance, the Seven Deadly Sins have actually very distinctive features to tell them apart and to best represent their sins. Lust has a slithery tongue. Gluttony has a blob-like body stature. Greed has four arms. Sloth has slouchy limbs. Wrath has scaly skin and a rough attitude. Pride has the resemblance of a gargoyle, with the horns and the wings. Envy is the smallest of the bunch.
Even with their brief appearances, they can make quite an impression and project man’s most ravenous sins, especially by the latter.
1 Dr. Sivana and the sin Envy have parallels
Billy Batson was bestowed upon the powers of Shazam, not out of pure of heart but of borrowed time before the wizard Shazam disintegrated. This resulted on Dr. Sivana being reasonably resentful of Billy/Shazam and driven to obtain his powers (despite possessing the Seven Deadly Sins and overpowering his abusive family).
With that fact, Dr. Sivana is closely linked to the sin Envy. Its small stature symbolized of Savana’s resentful childhood. And Sivana hiding it in the Eye during the climax is obviously Sivana hiding his own jealousy – a fact that Billy/Shazam took advantage of.
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