There were previous rumors of fellow wrestler John Cena in talks for the role opposite of Black Adam, but it seems that the shoes have been filled. It has been officially announced that Chuck and Thor: Ragnarok actor Zachary Levi will be taking on the role Shazam in a feature film about the DC Comics character.

Zachary Levi will be taking on the role of Shazam in what appears to be the next DCEU (DC Extended Universe) on the docket for filming. Shazam! is being directed by Annabelle: Creation and Lights Out director, David F. Sandberg. The film is expected to begin filming in early 2018, ahead of Flashpoint, Suicide Squad 2, and Batgirl. 

Shazam is one of the most unique comic book heroes around. A young boy by the name of Billy Batson becomes the hero after yelling out the word, “Shazam!” This calls upon the powers of the six immortal elders, and allows Billy to transform into an adult superhero. The character has also been known as Captain Marvel, but it isn’t hard to see why that one didn’t stick around forever. The original character was created in 1939 by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker, and first appeared in Whiz Comics #2. 

No official release date has been announced, but the film is expected to be released some time in 2019. What are your thoughts on Zachary Levi being cast in Shazam! Do you think that Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam will compare well with his opposite? What other villain do you hope to see in the Shazam! movie? Let us know in the comments section below. Be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter to stay up to date on the hottest news in gaming and entertainment via our 24/7 live news feed.