“ | Welcome to the show. | „ |
~ The Wizard to Pat Dugan |
“ | You see, a magician's greatest tool isn't just his hands. It's distraction. Keep smiling, keep them talking, always look them in the eye. You do that...They won't see what's right in front of them. | „ |
~ The Wizard to his son, Joey |
William Zarick, also known as The Wizard, is a minor antagonist in Season 1 of the 2020-2022 CW television series Stargirl.
He was the loving husband of Denise Zarick and the father of the late Joey Zarick. He was also a member of the Injustice Society of America who in his civilian identity was a well respected Blue Valley councilman, until he was killed by Jordan Mahkent.
He was portrayed by Joe Knezevich.
History[]
Past[]
Ten years ago; Wizard participated in the ISA's attack on the Justice Society of America's headquarters and fought Hourman and won. He then proceeded to attack Starman's sidekick Pat Dugan/Stripsey, only to knocked unconscious by the former. In the aftermath of the battle; the JSA was defeated which allowed Wizard claim a gem called the Black Diamond that housed the entity known as Eclipso. He then moved to Blue Valley, Nebraska with his wife and son to continue the ISA's mission of changing the world for the better. For the next decade, Wizard went by the name William Zarick and worked as a Blue Valley councilman as well as an executive and financial supporter of a prominent business called The American Dream, which is run by other members of the Injustice Society.
Stargirl[]
Zarick had been appointed acting leader of the ISA during Icicle's absence and awoke one night after being alerted that an intruder was in his home. He retrieves his wand from his safe and goes down stairs to find fellow ISA member Henry King Sr. in his living room wearing his Brainwave uniform. He learns that a girl had attacked Brainwave's son using a staff that previously belonged to former JSA leader Starman and that he already informed Icicle of the situation much to Zarick's dismay. A few days later Zarick assists his son Joey with a card trick and gives Denise a rose to assure her that everything is alright. He is later approached by Icicle outside his house after the latter returned to Blue Valley to deal with Stargirl and was made aware that Brainwave was in a coma. Icicle expresses his anger towards William for not handling the situation with Stargirl himself and tells him that he is once again in charge before walking away.
Death and Legacy[]
William and Denise receive heartbreaking news that Joey has been killed in a freak accident caused by Icicle. Zarick confronts Icicle at the Mahkent residence to avenge his son only to be frozen to death by him instead. His death is later covered up as a heart attack brought on by Joey's death and a theater is dedicated in William's memory while his house is declared a historic site following Denise's disappearance.
Personality[]
William differed greatly from his fellow ISA members, as he wasn't very eager to take up arms and rush into battle; especially where Stargirl was concerned. Over time, William had grown weary of his obligations to the ISA and wished to have a normal life with his family. He also possessed a great love for stage magic which he seemed to pass onto his son, Joey and enjoyed helping him with his magic tricks.
Trivia[]
- William was the first ISA member to die on-screen. He is also the only one to have no direct contact with Stargirl.
- Wizard's body fell into the hands of ISA member Dr. Ito/Dragon King, following his demise.