The Scoop On ‘Zatanna’

Gnizama! Or “amazing” if you’re not familiar with the DC magician Zatanna. It’s been reported that Emerald Fennell (yes, the Emerald Fennell of Promising Young Woman, The Crown, and Killing Eve) is going to be writing a Zatanna movie for DC. Zatanna has been gracing the DC universe since 1964, so it’s about time we get to see her on the big screen. To get everyone prepped, here are some must-know facts about the hero.

this is a Giovanni “John” Zatara appreciation tweet pic.twitter.com/YP64SgH9Ms

— Filby/Filbi Pott 🏳️‍⚧️ (@FilbiPott) March 6, 2021

Her Father was a Famous Hero

Zatanna is the daughter of the famous Magician Giovanni Zatara. He debuted as a stage magician with the ability to manipulate true magic, who used his powers to fight crime and evil. However, after being cursed by an evil extra-dimensional entity, he disappeared in order to protect Zatanna, which prompted her to eventually seek out the Justice League.

it girl ✨ pic.twitter.com/lH36u0IUV6

— wanda is tired (@zatannaspells) March 12, 2021

She’s Not Human (At Least Not Completely)

Zatanna is actually part of the Homo Magi race! The Homo Magi are a species that evolved parallel to Homo Sapiens. The only difference is they can use magic. Which leads me to my next point…

ZATANNA IS COMING TO THE DCEU. pic.twitter.com/Q43ewaTZ5q

— best of Zatanna! (@ZatannaArchive) March 22, 2021

She Uses Magic

Zatanna, like her father, is a magic user! While she started out as a stage magician, she discovered that she had a talent for real magic along the way. Her range of spells is immeasurable, and she’s mastered mystical and cosmic forces and can manipulate reality.

thinking abt her <33 pic.twitter.com/JvWQPx4WbQ

— zee 🪄 (@c0micmagic) March 2, 2021

She Speaks Spells Backwards

One signature element of her spell casting is that she speaks spells backwards. Just like her father, she must speak backwards in order for them to work. While she primarily uses her voice to practice magic, she can also write it if she’s in a dire situation.

do you ever think about how much john constantine loves zatanna zatara pic.twitter.com/vG1VPlLM2B

— Let’s Talk Constantine (@talkjohnc) March 19, 2019

She’s On and Off Again with John Constantine

Zatanna met the mystical and mysterious John Constantine when she was dating Nick Necro. She fell in love with John, and ended things with Nick. Then she and John broke up. And then they got back together. Their relationship is somewhat tumultuous and fans can’t decide if they should stay together or break up.

Zatanna and Bruce Wayne in Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Two #2 (2014) pic.twitter.com/19PaNSzrZN

— dc zatanna (@Zatannai) January 4, 2021

… and has a History with Bruce Wayne

Zatanna and Bruce have known each other since they were kids. While Zatanna cares for Bruce, he pushes her away. They have a strained and complicated relationship, but they’re both important to each other.

Zatanna vs Felix Faust pic.twitter.com/cWLqTrg4bw

— Ms. Munroe If Ya Nasty⛈ (@_EverybodyBlack) May 2, 2019

She’s Ex-Buddies with Felix Faust

Felix Faust is an evil magic user, who often goes toe-to-toe with Zatanna. He’s extremely powerful and uses his abilities for nefarious reasons. However, Zatanna and Felix apparently studied the mystic arts together at some point.

zatanna by paulina ganucheau. pic.twitter.com/0TeIKrQTvF

— best of Zatanna! (@ZatannaArchive) March 15, 2021

She’s the Strongest “Magician” and is Super Powerful

Zatanna is extremely powerful. She is powerful enough to be considered a “Sorceress Supreme,” and she is thought to be the strongest “Magician,” which is a classification of magic users that includes any user able to perform magic.

Been meaning to bring this up all weekend, but make sure you all check out Paul Dini’s 2010 Zatanna run!

The art may be a bit dated, but the stories it tells are so fun! You get to see Zatanna use her powers in such creative and innovative ways, it really is an absolute treat! pic.twitter.com/yjqLjjsVFw

— Anne Talks Comics! ❄️🏳️‍⚧️❄️ (@AnneComics) March 15, 2021

If you want to find out more about Zatanna, Paul Dini’s 16 issue Zatanna series is definitely worth a read! It follows the hero after she moves to San Francisco as she works as a stage magician and also fights crime. Another Paul Dini story would be Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell, which follows Black Canary and Zatanna as they track down a killer.

If you’d prefer to watch something, Zatanna makes some appearances in the Justice League cartoons and animated movies, as well a Young Justice (she’s been aged down in this one, but still remains iconic).

We can’t wait to see Zatanna on the big screen, and we hope we get to see John Constantine or Felix Faust. But until then, we’ll just have to wait and see!

Daniella Baltazar is a senior at Emerson College currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Media Arts Production with a minor in Global and Post-Colonial Studies. She is a spring 2021 intern for AfterBuzz TV and is hoping to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

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