Asher Angel

IS GROWING UP FAST…

Making his big-screen debut aged just five in Jessica Chastain drama Jolene, Asher Angel moved from Arizona to Los Angeles when, aged 12, he won the role of Jonah Beck in Disney Channel series Andi Mack. Now 16, the super-enthusiastic, super-likeable Angel is headlining DCEU superhero extravaganza Shazam! “My first big movie!” he grins. “My mind is blown.”

Tell us about your character, Billy Batson…

He’s a kid who can turn into an adult, and not just any adult, but a superhero, and fly across the world catching bad guys. What kid doesn’t want to be a superhero? Zach [Levi, who plays adult superhero Shazam] does most of the action, but I have a cool scene where I get to hit a bully.

You knew Zach before, right?

We did this little animated film called Tangled: Before Ever After. Then we met at the Justice League premiere, by which time we knew we were Billy and Shazam – alter egos. He’s like an older brother to me. He’s a great guy, really goofy.

Who’s your favourite superhero?

Man, it would have to be Superman, for sure. Ever since I was a little kid, I’d dress up as him for Halloween. He’s my favourite to this day, so hopefully I’ll meet him [in the DCEU]!

If I could have one superpower, it would be to fly. Just, “Hey mom, I’m gonna go to Hawaii, I’ll be right back…”

You have a huge following on social media. How do you cope with the fame?

It’s usually like, “I love you so much, please notice me.” I’m like, “I love you, too!” It’s cool. Getting all these DMs. [grins] “I love your show so much. I can’t wait to see Shazam!” I’m like, “Thank you so much.” I can’t imagine ever not being the way I am right now. My parents keep my feet on the ground. JG