Zachary Levi to play the lead role in DC's 'Shazam'

Actor Zachary Levi is the newest DC superhero. The actor will star in the DC comic book adaptation "Shazam!," which follows a boy named Billy Batson, who can transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word "Shazam!".

David F Sandberg will direct the film for New Line, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sandberg is directing "Shazam!" from a screenplay by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke. "Shazam!" is an acronym of the ancient world gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury, from which the big Batson derives his heroic attributes when in adult form.

The film is being developed concurrently with a film focusing on Shazam villain Black Adam featuring Dwayne Johnson.