Shazam! Zachary Levi cast as DC superhero

David F. Sandberg will direct the upcoming movie

There are currently over a dozen DC superhero movies in the works, including Suicide Squad 2, Deathstroke, and Gotham City Sirens.

One movie that has remained a mystery has been Shazam!, which follows Billy Batson, a teenager who can transform into a superhero by saying the words “Shazam!”.

The movie was announced as part of an initial DC line-up, many fans initially expecting the superhero to perhaps cameo in Justice League.

Now, after many months of rumours, a leading star has been announced: Zachary Levi, best known for playing Chuck Bartowski in the comedy series Chuck.

Zachary Levi has been cast as Shazam! (Getty)

Levi managed to beat off stiff competition from actors including John Cena, Limitless’s Jake McDorman, and Baby Daddy’s Derek Theler

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, also announcing David F. Sandberg — who previously helmed Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation — will direct. Shazam! will be produced by New Line, a production company under the Warner Bros. name.

Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson was previously cast as Shazam! villain Black Adam but will no longer appear in the film, instead having his own film.

There is no release date, but the film looks set to start shooting February 2018, ahead of Flashpoint, Batgirl, and Suicide Squad 2. Meanwhile, a director for Deathstroke was recently announced.