WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Shazam!, in theaters now.
Following the success of 2017's Wonder Woman, released months before the troubled Justice League, it became clear Warner Bros. was abandoning its original strategy for its so-called DC Extended Universe: Instead of using the films as the building blocks for a shared cinematic universe, each superhero feature would effectively stand on its own. Aquaman served as a prime example of that new approach, with only a couple of minor nods the title character's previous appearances.
Director David F. Sandberg's Shazam! takes a similar tact. Sure, it establishes itself as taking place in a world in which Batman, Aquaman and Wonder Woman exist, and Freddy Freeman's memorabilia collection references events of earlier films. But its story isn't connected to those of the DC movies that came before it. However, Shazam! features something Aquaman didn't: a cameo by a member of the Justice League.
Yes, Superman swoops in for an appearance, but he isn't played by Henry Cavill.
The film ends on a fun note, when Billy Batson, as Shazam, shows up at school to prove he's friends with Freddy Freeman. But the real surprise is that he doesn't come alone: Superman walks into the cafeteria, carrying his lunch tray, which is so very Superman. However, we only see close-ups of the Man of Steel's suit, because the camera remains focused on his boots or, in the final shot, his midsection, revealing the iconic "S" symbol.
It should perhaps come as no surprise that we're not shown Superman's face, considering unconfirmed reports that Cavill is finished playing the superhero.
While undoubtedly disappointing to some fans, it doesn't have any effect on Shazam! The scene actually may work even better by not showing the face of a larger-than-life superhero. Superman's face. It keeps the focus on Shazam and Freddy Freeman, all while conveying the the feeling of awe triggered by the Man of Steel's mere presence. He's seen from the point of view of the children at Billy and Freedy's school.
Perhaps even more interesting is Shazam referring to Superman as a friend, which of course suggests more than a mere awareness of each other's activities.
Directed by David F. Sandberg, Shazam! stars Asher Angel as Billy Batson, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Mark Strong as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, Djimon Hounsou as the ancient wizard Shazam, Grace Fulton as Mary Bromfield, Jack Dylan Grazer as Frederick “Freddy” Freeman, Ian Chen as Eugene Choi, Jovan Armand as Pedro Peña, Faithe Herman as Darla Dudley, Cooper Andrews as Victor Vásquez and Marta Milans as Rosa Vásquez.